Parental reunification - Unite our friend with his children

Things happen that we can’t change. Sometimes we can help, sometimes we can’t. Years ago our house burned down and it was the our community who fundraised and got us back on our feet. My friend is experiencing a far greater loss than we ever did: the possibility of not seeing his children grow up. Let's help him.

My dear friend, Rowan Heap, a deeply loving and caring parent, is facing an unimagineable situation. He is forced to engage in a legal process to have his children returned to New Zealand. They went on a planned trip and haven't returned. Rowan just wants to be a part of his children’s lives as they grow up - something he never expected to lose.

When delving into his circumstances, I realised that aside from the unbearable emotional turmoil for almost a year now - experienced while continuing to work as a teacher - the legal costs involved in fighting for justice internationally goes into the tens of thousands of dollars and pose a massive financial burden.

We cannot affect the outcome of this story. We can only hope that there will be some justice and that he has a chance to present his side of the story. Let's help him get the legal representation he needs. Our support as a community could give him a fighting chance. He did nothing to warrant this situation; he has done everything to raise two beautiful children with the love and care they deserve. Help our friend.