Gamblefree Day 1 September

It's Gamblefree Day this Monday 1 September, the national awareness day for problem gambling in New Zealand.

While traditionally celebrated on the first day of September, many events and activities are held both before and after this day to raise awareness of this important social issue.

Sara Epperson, National Public Health Practice Leader at the Problem Gambling Foundation, says Gamblefree Day is a great opportunity to talk about the issue at a community level.

"While many of the events and activities are about positive ways we connect with our families and communities, they also allow us to engage with communities and talk about the harm caused by gambling, particularly from pokie machines," she says.

In Christchurch the Problem Gambling Foundation has partnered with the Salvation Army, the Canterbury Family Violence Collaboration and Choice Not Chance to hold a 'Just for Fun' day on Saturday 30 August from 10am until 2pm at Central New Brighton School. There will be a free sausage sizzle, community stalls, a bouncy castle, and plenty of fun activities.

On Gamblefree Day the winners of the Choice Not Chance Family Factor Photo Competition will also be announced. Around 500 Whanau photos have been entered in the Facebook competition which was launched on 1 August.

In Auckland, Gamblefree Day will be celebrated later in the month with the 'United Communities Celebrate Healthy Families' event being held on Saturday 27 September from 10am until 2pm at the Dream Centre in Manukau.

This event will include cultural entertainment, information stalls from a range of organisations, a family photo competition and special guest, former heavyweight boxer, David Tua.

Sara Epperson says while the Gamblefree Day events are positive, there is also a serious message.

"Problem gambling has a significant impact on our families and our communities. The aim of Gamblefree Day is to take that message to our communities and raise awareness about the harm caused by gambling."

For more information on Gamblefree Day and other events and activities around the country visit www.pgfnz.org.nz/events/ or facebook.com/PGFNZ.

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