Research into youth health will benefit from an Otago Cricket fund-raising initiative to be launched next week.

In a mail drop to 12,000 business houses in Otago and Southland, Otago Cricket will offer membership of the Volts Club, the name a play on the State Otago Volts team.

Club members will contribute by way of a 'tax' on the anticipated success of the Volts in this summer's State Shield one-day competition, the payments comprising $1 for every 10 runs scored, $2 for each wicket secured and $10 'penalties' for centuries and four-wicket bags.

The membership fee is capped at $350 with a guaranteed $50 from each going to the Otago and Southland division of the Cancer Society for research and the promotion of physical activity among the young. The remainder will be invested in Otago Cricket's talent identification, coaching and junior development programmes which cost more than $200,000 a year to run.

Otago Cricket's events and fund raising manager Steve Davie said the sport was particularly pleased to assist with the on-going research of the Cancer Society, especially in the youth area.

"Many of our players and administrators are aware of the society's terrific work and the effects of cancer, especially on young folk," Davie said.

"We are in a position to enlist the support of the business community of Otago and Southland and I'm sure those people will be as enthusiastic about helping as we are in promoting the concept."

It is estimated about 40% of cancers can be avoided by adopting healthy lifestyle choices and the Cancer Society is particularly keen to offer the right choices to young people to reduce the risk of problems in later life.

The society's Otago branch health promotion coordinator, Wyn Barbezat, said evidence of increased cancer risk from inactivity and being overweight was well established.

"As well as the established Sunsmart and Smokefree programmes the Cancer Society is very keen to join others in the promotion of physical activity and good nutrition," Mrs Barbezat said.

"More needs to be learned about making the right choices to lessen risks later on.

"We are grateful to have the support of Otago Cricket and its commitment to supporting us in our endeavours to reduce the impact of cancer in our community."

As well as assisting local cancer research and the development of junior cricket Volts Club members would also receive tickets to the New Zealand v India One-Day International in Queenstown in January, seasons' passes to domestic games and the chance to win a $1500 travel voucher.

Otago Cricket had also enlisted the assistance of the Otago Chamber of Commerce and the Dunedin Casino in ensuring its mail drop covered as much of the North Otago, Otago and Southland business community as possible.

© CricInfo