Kia Ora Whānau,

 

First off, we just want to say a massive THANK YOU!!

 

On the first Friday of November, we celebrated our fifth-ever Gumboot Friday, and yet again you guys blew us away! Whether you wore your gumboots at work or school, donated, ran a fundraiser or held an event- we thank you! Your continued support means the world and it's amazing to see so many of you being a part of the solution towards youth mental health.

 

Two days before Gumboot Friday, NZ Statistics revealed that in the year to June 30th, 617 people died by suspected suicide. A devastating 9% jump from the 565 suicides the year before. 

 

This heartbreaking news highlighted the importance of Gumboot Friday and why it continues- to take a stand, to kickstart those important conversations and remind our young people that they're NOT ALONE and that Gumboot Friday is there for them if they need it.

Gumboot Friday 2024 Wins

 

👉🏽 Along with our mates at Fowler Homes and The Rock, the Queenstown Hope Home sold for $1.69 million on Gumboot Friday, with a profit of $404,000 going directly towards our young Kiwis in need. We still can't quite believe they built us a "frickin house!" Incredibly grateful to all those involved in this project, and congratulations to the new homeowner! 🏡 

👉🏽 We witnessed some amazing humans conquer epic fundraising challenges all over the country! People like Piripi, who did 565 pull-ups to honour the 565 lives lost in 2023, Bailee who ran a staggering 161.8km in her gumboots and Brent who rode the Luge for 24 hours! (Big mihi to all our amazing fundraisers- we love you!)

👉🏽 We saw a record-high number of Gumboot Friday volunteers get involved in our street collection campaign, with hundreds of you putting in the mahi across the motu! You guys are AMAZING!

“My free sessions were enough to help me get me back on my feet and helped me realise therapy is something worth investing in. I am forever grateful to Gumboot Friday and all those that are putting in the mahi to keep it alive.”

-Male Gumboot Friday user, 24, Marlborough

 

To date, Gumboot Friday has delivered more than 108,150 FREE counselling sessions for our young people in need! Your continued support of our charity means we can continue to help our youth feel seen, heard and supported with their mental health- and for that, we can't thank you enough! 

 

Save the date for next year whānau- Gumboot Friday, November 7 2025! 

 

Arohanui, 

Team Gumboot Friday