Paddle for Hope

Paddlers from around New Zealand will be taking part in paddling around New Zealand, 4500km, to raise awareness and raise funds for suicide awareness. From 7pm on Thursday the 13th of July, and officially finishing at 7am on Monday 17th of July our community will use rowers, rowing machine, canoes, kayaks, waka or dragon boats to get to the goal of a combined total of 4500km.

Dragon boating is not just a sport, when we come to trainings or regattas we leave our troubles at the door. We are in our safe space, where we can have me-time, amongst friends and family.

In the last few years, that has become so much more important. We see our people struggling with mental health. So often we see it too late. And too often it results in them taking things into their own hands, taking their own life.

At Aoraki, we want to do something about it, in our own way.

As we head into winter, the days grow darker, and the Black Dog shows his head.

So we will be joining together to fundraise , in support of the professionals that can provide support to those who are struggling.

And to remind us to keep our eyes and ears open to those signs that others aren't coping.