Colin Dorreen - a giant with a heart to match
Fundraising for Colin to take part in a student exchange in the United States, starting January 2026
Rotorua, Bay Of Plenty
Colin Dorreen is a great young man and role model.
He recently struck a chord with thousands of Rotorua locals after helping a disabled lady and numerous elderly who were trying to shop during heavy rain and in the cold.
I have known Colin for some time and I can vouch for him as a humble, kind and gentle giant (6’8”) with solid values, so it didn't surprise me that so many people responded to him in this way. In a world where there is so much negativity, he seems to have given a lot of people hope for the next generation.
Colin has an opportunity for schooling in the US. His whanau started a Givealittle page which has since expired and raised $375 but that was before he unwittingly drew thousands of admirers and so I'm starting this page to see if we can do better for him.
Colin's whanau have so far raised $9635 of the $25k needed. Although there are still some formalities to complete, he is determined to achieve his goal and things will move very quickly so this has a time limit of sorts.
If you are in a position to donate a dollar or two, I know Colin and his whanau would be extremely grateful.
Joe Dorset's involvement (page creator)
Mentor.
Use of funds
Flights, programme fees, insurance, visas and day-to-day expenses.
Latest update
EXCITING UPDATE 6 February 2026
UPDATE for everyone who supported Colin Doreen by donating to his Givealittle Page and sending supportive messages.
You might remember 16 yr old Colin as the lovely young man who helped out a bunch of people at the supermarket by helping them get their groceries loaded into their cars in torrential rain.
What started as a kind gesture seemed to spark something in our community as evidenced by the overwhelming response. A Givealittle page was set up when it was noticed that Colin's goal was to finish high school in the States via a student exchange.
Well guys - you did it. You raised enough money for Colin to achieve his goal. Long story short, Colin got his visa approved yesterday (thanks to tireless work by his dad, Colin Snr) and they can finally share the news that Colin leaves next week to attend Cardinal Newman High School in San Francisco. He will attend this year and next year and he and his whanau are so excited.
I'm happy to be sharing this post with you, with the permission of both Colin Jnr and Colin Snr because it's important to them that his supporters have this update.
Please share this post with anyone you know who donated to the Givealittle Page and please join me in wishing Colin all the very best for his very exciting and very well-deserved future. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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