“The funds raised will be used to help RainbowYOUTH find a space to run social groups out of in the short term, and work towards a permanent place for RY in the long term. We have had a longstanding relationship with Gender Dynamix in the area and we want to ensure they also retrieve anything they lost in the fire.”
Pooja Subramanian
Executive Director
RainbowYOUTH
Tēnā koutou katoa
Aroha mai for my delayed response.
I want to use this update as an opportunity to thank everyone who shared and donated to the fundraiser for RainbowYOUTH. Together, we raised $83,886.76 for RainbowYOUTH.
The queer community has been through a lot this year; from the attacks on Gloria of Greymouth, to Bethlehem College being exposed for its homophobic and transphobic rules, and the arson attack on RainbowYOUTH Tauranga.
Queer children are growing up witnessing these acts of hatred and learning that New Zealand is an unsafe place for them. But the solidarity following the attacks were a testament to support and love many in this country have for queer people. I hope this will send a message to queer children and young people that we have their back.
I am grateful for the support you’ve shown us. From the bottom of my heart - thank you!
Shaneel Lal.
They/Them.
