Each May, during Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, CFNZ aims to raise awareness of the challenges of living with cystic fibrosis (CF) and fundraise to support Kiwis with CF and their families – now and into the future.
Our 2026 campaign asks one simple thing: Will you give a F*** for Cystic Fibrosis this May?
You can give a fiver, a future, a flat white (or 5!), a few bucks, a friendship – however you give a F, you will be making a real, tangible impact.
May is Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the reality of living with CF in Aotearoa and why supporting the CF Community is still so vital. No one should face CF alone. That’s why we Give a F for CF.
Our bold and honest call to pause, for the public to sit up and take notice, because CF is NOT cured. Babies are still being born with CF, people are still seriously unwell and families are still facing the physical, emotional and financial challenges of this life-long, whole body condition.
During May we are sharing real stories, the real challenges and the real impact you can make.
Read our story about CF as a full-body condition >>> HERE
Read our story about newborn diagnosis, Still Living in Hope >> HERE
Read our story about isolation, Heartwarming moments can also be heartbreaking >> HERE
So, please Give a F, Give a FUTURE, Give a FEW BUCKS - however you want to do it, you will be helping ensure that kiwis living with CF receive the support they need now, and into the future.
If you'd like to share your story with us or in the media, we'd love to hear from you!
Email Lizzie: comms@cfnz.org.nz
HERE
Give a Flat White to keep adults and parents caffeinated during hospital admissions, Give Fitness via our Breath4CF grant available to all Kiwis with CF, Give a Friendly face through our vital Social Worker support, Give a future for our people living with CF.
Donate todayFrom selling incredible Chocky Fish donuts and Chocky Fish stalls manned by keen Kiwi kids outside the house, to a hair-a-thon, or selling Chocky Fish to friends and family, an easy Chocky Fish morning tea shout for co-workers, there are unlimited ways to fundraise this CF Month, with or without Chocky Fish – run a blue morning tea, a school mufti day – we’ve seen some fantastically creative ideas over the years and we can help support your fundraiser.
Download our Fundraising Toolkit here
It's everyone's favourite time of the year - Chocky Fish are swimming their way around Aotearoa, ready to catch, fundraise, and enjoy.
Selling Chocky Fish is one of the easiest ways to fundraise. There's 50 fish in a box, and each fish is sold for a gold coin, or $50 per box.
We have cardboard donation boxes and cute lapel stickers available for no cost to assist you in your fundraising.
There are so many ways your school or your child's school can fundraise to support Kiwis living with CF.
Here's a bunch of ideas to get your started - get in touch if you have any questions or need any help nikki@cfnz.org.nz
Tag us in any social posts / fundraisers you do. We'd love to share the awareness you are raising with our community!
Download our Fundraising Toolkit for Schools here
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition, often diagnosed at birth through the heel prick test, and confirmed through sweat chloride and gene testing.
CF is progressive, lifelong, and life-shortening. There are just over 620 people living with CF in New Zealand. It is a condition that people will have for the whole of their life and there is no cure.
It is more complex than just a lung condition, it affects multiple systems in the body, affecting the liver, digestion, sinuses, fertility, and bone density. Many people with CF will also develop the complication of CF related diabetes.
CF causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus which damages the lungs, digestive system, liver and other parts of the body.
For those who are able to access and benefit from modern treatments, it has meant an overall improvement to their physical health.
CF remains a serious chronic condition that will be life long and demanding due to the management of medications, regular check-ups, nutrition management, lung clearance, and when needed hospitalisation.
It takes courage to live with and survive with CF, it can be isolating, painful, and frightening, leading to anxiety, depression, and poor quality of life, as they face the potential for declining health, increased complications, and major medical interventions.
Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand (CFNZ) was founded in 1968. It is a well-respected charity delivering a range of vital services. We support many of the more than 600 people and their families affected by cystic fibrosis (CF) in New Zealand.
We work with people of all ages from pre-school age to adults to change the trajectory of their lives. We are here to extend and improve the lives of those living with CF.
CFNZ relies on the generosity of donors and support from the philanthropic and business community.