I know this has been a long time coming but we have been busy!
Kia ora everyone,
And a big warm welcome to this edition of the I Am Hope Gumboot Friday dispatch. First and foremost, a huge thank you to each and every one of you who has donated to, worked with, or guided a loved one to the Gumboot Friday platform for support. It's your backing that fuels our mission.
It's been a hectic few weeks for me, connecting with young and old across our beautiful country. This last month has been particularly enlightening regarding the main reason young people are seeking help and support for their mental health, especially our little ones.
Most people, myself included, often think that the biggest factors affecting our kids' mental health are isolation, devices, bullying, or the after-effects of Covid; however, our data is proving otherwise. Five months ago, in association with the Ted Manson Foundation, we launched a pilot programme to put counsellors in primary and intermediate schools - thanks, Ted. What has come back is more and more kids are reaching out for help due to the interaction between parents and caregivers.
It turns out that for a lot of kids who witness parents and caregivers in animated conversation, it creates uncertainty, leading to anxiety. Even minor disagreements can leave a child wondering if they have done something wrong, or worse, are mummy and daddy going to separate. This was such an eye-opener for me because no study I have seen has even suggested that that may be a problem.
Now, with that in mind, let's aim to be more mindful about our discussions when the kids are around, and if they witness something, let’s be more open about what we were discussing so they don’t twist it into something it's not and blame themselves. Thank you once more for being the rock of this initiative, and now, let’s dive into the latest happenings. Your continuous support propels us forward, and together, we’ll continue making strides. Onto the updates!
Cheers — Mike King.
Gumboot Friday — 3rd November
It's all systems go at the I Am Hope HQ as we gear up for Gumboot Friday, just two weeks tomorrow! Here is why your support is important: two years ago we were funding 550 counselling sessions at a cost of $78,000 a month, now we're funding over 3,400 sessions each month, at a cost of approx. $500,000. We have to find $125,000 a week so our kids get the help they need, and we sincerely appreciate your ongoing support to make this happen.
With the change of Government people think we'll now be funded. Throughout the election the Prime Minister Elect said he would fund Gumboot Friday out of the Innovation Fund of $20million. So, people are assuming that we've got $20million and our kids are finally going to be ok and supported. What is actually going to happen is they are matching dollar for dollar. So if your $ doesn't come in, we're no better off, and might even be worse off. For complete transparency, we received just $36,000 in the last fornight, putting us well behind where we need to be with still $214,000 to be raised for the month.
But moving onto Gumboot Friday...have you got your work or school fundraiser sorted yet? If nothere are some ideas to get you started. We look forward to seeing you all out and about in your gumboots on the 3rd November — head over to Number One Shoesand grab some official gumboots that supports Gumboot Friday at the same time.
Introducing our Limited Edition Merchandise Range
We've got an exciting range of new Limited Edition merch hot off the press, thanks to the wonderful team at AS Colour for their partnership and support. Make sure to get in quick on these Limited Edition 2023 designs, some which feature an exclusive print from Whitecliffe Design Student Issie Cassidy, Bradley Jones, and Jaqua Temu. We’ve got a range of items from t-shirts and crews, as well as bucket hats and socks, perfect to wear anytime to show your support for Gumboot Friday.
Freshly brewed and ready to enjoy this summer is our tasty Gumbrew Lager. In conjunction with Renaissance, Gumbrew Lager is crisp and refreshing, with a hint of residual sweetness. A malt-biscuit aroma with a hint of honey and floral, the flavour is a refreshing light malt backed up by a soft bitterness and a hint of sweetness that finishes dry. Funds are donated back to I Am Hope with every six pack and kegs sold.
It'll be all go in Cambridge towards the end of November when the Cambridge Festival takes place. A weekend event aiming to inspire and motivate people of all ages through activity and music. I'll be there as MC for The Gumboot Friday concert on Saturday 25th November as well as kiwi legends like The Feelers, Jason Kerrison and locals Pineja. Secure your tickets now.
Wahine Toa II
We're proud to be a partner at this boxing fight night featuring two female World Champion boxers – Mea Motu and Lani Daniels – who are returning home to Northland to defend their world titles. Don’t miss the biggest boxing event ever to be held in Whangarei on 2nd December, get your tickets here and support I Am Hope.
Game of Hope
We’re squeezing in one more event before Christmas on Thursday 21st December called Game of Hope. In conjunction with The Warriors and Paw Justice, we're aiming to sell out Go Media Mt Smart Stadium but there’s a twist… you don’t actually attend. Instead, the purchase of your virtual ticket goes towards helping animals in need through Paw Justice, and the youth of NZ via I Am Hope and the Warriors Community Foundation. Tickets start from just $10 and are available now at Ticketmaster here.
Blonde Mullet Brigade
Our Blonde Mullet Brigade fundraiser was a huge success with over 50 amazing mullets grown for mental health, raising over $50,000.
Now that is epic!
We continue to be blown away with your incredible, ongoing support. We cannot thank you enough. Should you wish to make a donation to us, there is a button below. Bring on Friday 3rd November!
