Welcome to the August I Am Hope newsletter — a place to share how the generosity and support of everyday people is making real change in our communities.
Thanks to the incredible support of people like you, 3,201 free counselling sessions were delivered to young New Zealanders last month.
Our youth ambassadors, Ruby and Noah, also spent time on the road, visiting Maungawhau School to kΕrero with tamariki — creating safe, open spaces where young people could share, be heard, and know their feelings matter.
π€ Government Funding Renewed for Gumboot Friday
We’ve got some huge news to share.
The Government has officially confirmed funding for another 12 months of Gumboot Friday, and we couldn’t be more grateful. This commitment means we can keep doing what matters most: offering free, fast, and stigma-free counselling to any young person under 25, anywhere in Aotearoa.
In the past year alone, Gumboot Friday has delivered over 30,000 sessions to more than 10,000 young people. That’s 30,000 moments where a young Kiwi was able to sit down with a trained therapist and be heard — without worrying about cost or waiting lists.
But government funding only covers the counselling sessions themselves. I Am Hope picks up all the platform and admin costs that make the service possible — and that’s where our amazing supporters and donors come in. Your generosity keeps the engine running so our therapists can focus on what they do best: helping our kids.
With this renewed support and your continued backing, we can keep building on this mahi, growing our network of therapists, and reaching even more rangatahi in need. Together, we’re making sure every young person knows there’s someone ready to listen.
πβοΈ Kings College Boys Go Bald for Mental Health
As part of their Mental Health Week events, some of the boys from Kings College decided to make a statement — something bold to show they care about mental health and want to spark conversations around it.
They set themselves a challenge: if they could raise over $5,000 for I Am Hope from their Lads & Dads Breakfast event (with Mike as their guest speaker), they’d shave their heads. They didn’t just hit the target — they smashed it, raising over $8,000!
On August 1st, true to their word, the boys lined up as a crowd of students cheered them on, clippers buzzing. They even managed to rope in a teacher for the cause!
A massive thanks to Ben, the Year 13 students who pulled this very cool event together, and everyone who took part. You guys are absolute legends.
π€ Bloom & Seventh Wonder Hit the Road for Hope
We’re stoked to announce that Bloom and Seventh Wonder are hitting the road this September — touring Aotearoa and raising funds for Gumboot Friday at every stop.
This tour isn’t just about music — it’s about connection, healing, and reminding young people that they’re not alone. Come along, bring your mates, and drop your koha in the gumboots at the door.
A massive shoutout to the rangatahi at Paraparaumu Beach School, who picked Gumboot Friday as their charity of choice last term! From gumboot races to colouring competitions, this was all student-led — and all done with heart. You guys are the reason we do what we do. NgΔ mihi nui from our whole team.
π΄βοΈ A Different Kind of Ride: Athens to London
Say hello to Alex Vassos, a grassroots legend who biked all the way from Athens to London in support of Gumboot Friday — smashing his $1,000 fundraising goal along the way. πΈ See his journey on Instagram. Alex, thank you for your determination, your legs of steel, and your aroha.
Since 2020, the Ideal Foundation has helped fund our school programmes and more recently, supported the Little People Big Feelings rollout. A huge thank you to Craig Haines and the team — your support is helping kids understand their emotions before those feelings get too big.
We also want to acknowledge our new principal funder of Little People Big Feelings — The Wright Family Foundation — who are backing this mahi with a three-year commitment that helps us get books, resources, and ambassadors to tamariki across Aotearoa.
And to our friends at Private Wealth Advisors — thank you for standing with us over the long haul. Jack Powell, Roger Sutherland and the team — your belief in our work is helping more kids get the support they need when they need it most.
πβοΈ Run for Hope: Auckland Marathon
Sebastian, a Year 6 student at Stonefields School, is running the Auckland Marathon to raise awareness in his school and community about mental health. He’s got a big heart and a big message:
“Not talking about it is too easy — and too hard. I want to show my friends it’s normal to have big emotions and okay to talk about them.”
Let’s back him — and others like him — by joining the I Am Hope crew this year.
β³ Saving Butts, Sinking Putts – We Need You!
Next week!
Barrie Coleman’s Saving Butts, Sinking Putts charity golf day is just around the corner, and we need your support.
Barrie’s been travelling the country, playing every golf course in New Zealand to raise money and awareness for youth mental health in honour of his late wife Megan. With just one week to go, let’s help him finish strong.
We need more team entries! Join us for a day of golf, community, and making a real impact. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible event.
β³ I Am Hope Charity Golf Day Auckland – Thursday 25th September
On Thursday 25th September, join Mike King and the I Am Hope team at the beautiful Muriwai Golf Course for another fun day out with great views and guaranteed laughs.
Who will take home the I Am Hope Championship Trophy? That’s the big question!
Don’t miss out on this exciting day of golf for a great cause.
Clint C is turning nostalgia into impact. With every LIFESAVER artwork sold, Clint donates to I Am Hope — and his pieces are stunning 30cm resin originals.
“Let’s spread some happiness and thank the people who helped us when we needed it most.” – Clint. π±Follow Clint
A huge thanks to the CS Roofing Canterbury whΔnau — Nathan and Jenny Maxwell, your monthly support helps us build something solid and sustainable. And your work through the Roofing Association of NZ has made a real impact through industry-led fundraisers like golf days.
To the team at The Elite Network Group — thank you for choosing I Am Hope as your charity partner across five Auckland chapters. Your events create more than just connections — they create change.
And to Corey Choat, who’s run countless kilometres in honour of his sister, and raised over $100K in the process — thank you for being a relentless advocate for mental health, for showing up, and for proving that grief can grow into purpose. You're a true champion.
I Am Hope Foundation, PO BOX 10271, Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Auckland 1446, New Zealand
