Running for We Can Keep Safe

The 2014 HELP Auckland ¼ Marathon Team is made up Lindsay Simpson and Kathryn Michie who will be pounding the streets of Auckland on Sunday 2 November to help make a difference to the lives of New Zealand’s families.

HELP provides professional and specialised support services to sexual abuse/sexual assault survivors. Supporting the community since 1982, HELP works to empower women and children recovering from the effects of abuse and educates the community on preventing sexual abuse in the future. HELP supports thousands of people every year and strives to be a source of support and healing for those who need it most.

HELP facilitates “We Can Keep Safe”, (WCKS) sexual abuse prevention programme for preschool children. WCKS fosters skills and language that young children use to assist them in communicating uncomfortable situations and asking for help. The WCKS uses age appropriate safety messages, languages, and communication skills to young children. There is no other sexual abuse prevention programme available.

“We Can Keep Safe” receives no government funding and costs $1,960 per school to provide the programme. We would like to raise a minimum of $1,960 to assist with the running of this programme in one preschool.

In 2014 the programme is fully subscribed. 12 preschools have yet to be allocated with funding.

These Preschools are: St Heliers/Glendowie Playcentre, Tuakau Kindergarten, Avondale College Early Childhood Education Centre, Hillsborough Playcentre, Gumboots Early Learning Centre Helensville, Natures Explorer Kindergarten Riverhead, Totara Hill Montessori Preschool Matakana, Bayfield Early Childhood Centre - Herne Bay, Greenhithe Kindergarten, Little Castle Early Childhood Centre - West Harbour, and Colwill Kindergarten – Massey.

Thank you for supporting us, in the commitment of a safer world- free of sexual violence as we walk this journey together.