30K by the End of May – For Our Unseen Heroes

Across Waikato and Auckland, there are children quietly doing adult jobs every day.

Before school they’re giving medication.

After school they’re cooking meals and managing the house.

Through the night they’re caring for parents, siblings, or family members with complex needs.

They are young carers — and most people don’t even know they exist.

At Unseen Heroes, we walk alongside these incredible young people to make sure they’re not carrying the weight alone.

We’re raising $30,000 to welcome a new intake of young carers into our programme and give them something they rarely get:

Time out.

Time to connect.

Time to simply be kids.

Your support helps us provide:

• Respite days and fun excursions

• Camps and shared experiences that reduce isolation

• Mental health and wellbeing support

• Practical help for families

• Safe spaces where young carers feel understood and supported

• Physical activities that build confidence, strength and belonging

Because supporting young carers means caring for their whole wellbeing — not just one part of their life.

Our big dream: an Unseen Heroes Waka Ama Team

We don’t just want to support young carers — we want them to thrive. That’s why we’re working towards launching an Unseen Heroes waka ama (outrigger canoe) team. Waka ama is more than a sport. It builds strength, resilience, teamwork and confidence. It creates connection and belonging.

For many of our young people, it could be their first time being part of a team that’s just for them. And they’ll be guided by someone who truly understands their journey.

Tyler Reid — former young carer and waka ama champion — will mentor and help lead the team. Tyler knows firsthand what it’s like to grow up caring for family while juggling school and life. Tyler is a highly accomplished paddler with regional, national and international success, including:

🏅 Gold, silver and bronze medals across junior, under-23 and open women divisions

🏅 Trans-Tasman Outrigger Championships medalist

🏅 National champion

🏅 International competitions in Canada and Brazil

Her story shows our young carers what’s possible.

From caring for others… to representing her country.

Having a role model who has walked the same path sends a powerful message:

Your future can be big. Your dreams matter. You belong here.

Every dollar you give helps a young carer feel seen, supported and less alone. They spend their lives caring for everyone else. Now it’s our turn to care for them.

How you can help

👉 Donate what you can

👉 Start your own fundraiser

👉 Create a team with your workplace, school or sports club

👉 Share this page with your friends and family

Together, we can reach $30,000 by the end of May and give young carers the support, strength and joy they deserve.

Let’s back our Unseen Heroes.