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Now with Sheree, Kate Hargraves AND Kerri! Dry July for Dry Housing: Homeless women in Tauranga

  • Does not drinking alcohol attract cat calling? The real evidence...

      30 July 2020
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    Kia ora team. Well I'm pretty much a month without alcohol, and today I got cat called on the street. Now I'm not into guys yelling at woman, but the guy was doing a "smoking" gesture, so I THINK that's what it was. Either that or I was on fire and didn't notice. So I'm not supporting his cat calling, but I am just noticing it hasn't happened for a few years.

    Perhaps there is no correlation to my being off alcohol- I cannot say! Perhaps my karma glow from this donation work drew this charmer in.

    Anyways! Nearly there team - wanna donate? You tots should- read what the wonderful Angela says about Awhina House.

    Awhina House is an 11-bed residence for women who are homeless in Tauranga. We create a space where women can be safe, reflect on their goals and desires and be supported in their decisions towards wellbeing and independent housing. Many of the women who come to Awhina House battle with addictions and mental health challenges rooted in past trauma. Through Sheree’s work with ‘Like Minds Like Mine’ our staff team have had the opportunity for professional development in the area of mental health.

    When Sheree approached us to offer her Dry July GiveaLittle fundraiser we were super stoked. It’s a fantastic commitment to go Dry for July and we are hugely grateful to be the recipients of Sheree, Kate and Kerri’s Dry July fundraising efforts. The funds will be used to support the work we do at Awhina House and will directly benefit our women.

    We hope it has been a fun month and we are so grateful to every supporter for your donations.

    Angela, Awhina House General Manager

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  • A week to go: Don't forget to donate!

      25 July 2020
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    Well, I'm in my final weekend, and things have been easier than I thought, but also challenging in unexpected ways. Last night I went to dinner out for a friends birthday. I ordered an alcohol free beer - and I swear I got a little silly on it (or one the company!).

    I have some new reflections on the way alcohol has been functioning in my life - my clothes don't fit any better but my skin may be a tiny touch better. Who knows!

    Best of all, there is already nearly $400 going to awhina house in Tauranga. Would you help us get over $500? The women here haven't had anywhere safe and dry to live - and from what, today especially, feels like the immense riches of my privilege I am sitting here being thankful and wishing I could do more. Also turns out my tummy can handle the gluten in the alcohol free beer - AND if you don't actually drink beer that often it tastes pretty good.

    Special thanks to Kerri's friends who "bought her out" for a night so she can celebrate with them. I know my liver is happy that I did this month, but so is my soul.

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  • Halfway update. Have you donated?

      15 July 2020
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    So I'm halfway through my alcohol free month, and been having a more kombucha as a relax substitute. It's interesting having the reflection space to think about how this is used in my life. I definitely have missed it, AND am glad to be without it.

    More importantly, it's really cold outside. I had an interaction today with someone that alerted me to another piece of my privilege. I don't know the individual stories of the women who are guests at Awhina House - what I do know is that inequity and trauma have a way of collecting together and snowballing. Luckily the same thing can happen in recovery and wellbeing journeys - positive things can snowball.

    A little donation that you make, can be part of a snowball for these women and community. Buy me a "wine" as a donation? Ponsonby prices that's $12 at least. I know the team in Tauranga will make good out of anything you give.

    http://awhinahouse.org.nz/

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  • Kerri joins us!

      4 July 2020
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    The gorgeous Kerri has joined us - and when she says she will do something, she darn well does it! (Isn't that worth a wee donation team?!)

    Here's what she had to say:

    Catching up for zoom wine last Thursday with a friend the wero (challenge) was laid down.

    Monday when i was wavering my girls reminded me i had said id do it and so I needed to stick to it...and no amount of protesting about having things to go to was going to cut it.

    When Sheree put the request out to join her, and its a great cause...it was definutely another tohu (sign) to get on board and just do it...so here i am!

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  • Lovely Kate

      2 July 2020
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    I met Kate through my bra collection mission... Kate is heavily involved with Uplift charity which sends bras to women in the Pacific Islands, as well as being involved in supporting other useful goods to poor Pacific communities. This meets pressing needs for them as well as saving goods from being thrown away. I wasn't surprised then that Kate popped her hand up for this.. read what she has to say.

    "Although I live in Auckland now I grew up in the South Island and always remember how cold it was especially at night. Many years have gone past and I have never forgotten what it was like to be cold.

    Now I have a warm house and it is time to think of others who dont have safe and warm surroundings. Lets all remember where we are from, how far we have come and take time to do a little something to help others less fortunate ..."

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  • The month begins

      1 July 2020

    So it is officially July, and I am excited that Kerri is joining us on this fundraising/ alcohol free/ self-care journey.

    I have lots of self care planned for the month- because, heck as long as I am changing a pattern, why not do it awesomely?

    I want people over for dinner, I'm going to the movies. I'm going to go to yoga more and use the gym spa. I have bought some frozen juicies (great substitute if you're sugar motivated) and kombucha. I am going to allow myself some online shopping, as well as more reading time. I will hit my 10,000 steps...I have been doing some self development stuff with a group of friends so this is a great time to be mindful about this.

    Mainly I want to get more mindful about what I'm using alcohol for- I already know that often it's sugar and the wind-down ritual after days that are far too busy, and where the evenings can sometimes be a bit lonely. So I will be working on my long term goal of slowing myself down at regular periods at work. :)

    Thank you so much for those of you who have donated already. It's very cold tonight and I'm up in Auckland. How cold it must be for those sleeping rough or in not good spaces down in BOP...

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  • Good news

      29 June 2020

    I am starting Dry July a day early (to finish in time for a celebration.

    Good news: I have a glass of wine tonight

    Less good news: Tomorrow I shall not

    Good news: My friend Kate Hargraves has jumped onto my fundraising page!

    Less good news: July came faster than expected

    Good news: I have been privileged my whole life to have warm safe dry housings

    Good news: Some delightful people have already sponsored me, Clover and Alice Veysey especially!

    Less good news: None of my nieces have credit cards, otherwise I'd be rocking it

    Good news: I have a good list of things for distraction and self care.

    Less good news: I will miss wine

    Good news: I will have sugar.

    Less good news: I will have sugar

    Good news: I will still have sugar.

    Less good news: I will still have sugar.

    - Love Sheree

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