December 31, 2017
Year starts with no fizz fizz
High profile celebrities and community leaders are getting behind a challenge to go without sugary drinks for the month of January.
The second Fizz Free Whanau challenge starts today, New Year’s Day.
Campaign manager Kera Sherwood-O’Regan from public health advocacy group Hapa Te Hauora says it’s about surrounding people who want to make health choice with aroha rather than shaming them.
“We achieve this through our close knit social media community and by providing resources and regular updates to ensure everyone gets the support they need to be able to make those choices," she says.
Because healthy choices aren’t made in a vacuum, participants are also encouraged to gather sponsors to fundraise for healthy initiatives in kōhanga, sports clubs, marae or other groups which support community wellbeing.
Ms Sherwood-O’Regan says Fizz Free Whanau challenges the stereotype of Maori being overweight, sick, unhealthy and lazy, and aims to share a positive image of Maori wellbeing.
This year’s champions include Marama Davidson MP, Northern Stars netballers, Maria Tutaia, the O’Neill twins, Dr Scott Waghorn, and Maria Foy of Healthy Mum Healthy Child.
Get on board with #FizzFreeWhānau at www.fizzfree.org.nz
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