Fundraising for Gumboot Friday- November 5th 2021

Hello everyone, my name is Sonnie. My partner Zach and I are fundraising for a very important foundation that is very close to us. We have always wanted to give back and so here we are.

Here's a bit about me and why we want to do this. For the last four years, I have struggled with the fight of depression and anxiety. The cost of receiving help is another level. I was lucky enough with the help of my family that I was able to go through the private system as in all reality, I didn't have time to wait in the public system. The wait times are too long within the public system and when someone is vulnerable, the help they need is urgent.

It was after my 3rd relapse, that I knew I had to fight and really dig it. I couldn't do it by myself without having some extra support at the start to get some strategies. I didn't have money as I didn't have a job at the time. I couldn't afford to pay for sessions but also I couldn't afford to wait. I was fortunate enough to get in touch with the gumboot Friday foundation.

If you don't know what they do, they provide free counselling to New Zealanders under the age of 25. The process is extremely fast and I'll explain why. Once you get in contact with the foundation through the website, there is a 48-hour turnaround for someone to get in contact with you to arrange something. After the there is a 6-day wait to see someone. There are various trained professionals to see them all over the country. It is short term funding but after seeing someone we are hoping they will keep them within their system or a booster until they can see someone while they wait for the public system.

This is an incredible foundation to support and donate to. It helps those people at a very low point in their lives. It's fast and works. Any donation helps and the foundation is purely based on donations. Please help us raise as much money as we can to help those in need for our children and young adults.