Kenzie's Gift

"Kenzie’s Gift supported me when I needed it the most after my little brother Kosta died. I wanted to acknowledge that grief never goes away and that it's easier when it is talked about and shared. Most importantly I wanted to thank Kenzie’s Gift for making grief ok to be talked about." Luka 14.

When serious illness or bereavement occurs within a family, everyone is affected. For children and young adults, the impact can be intense, emotionally traumatic and long-lasting. Children are often left to grieve alone because parents and extended family members are struggling to cope. Feelings of isolation and loneliness can create social, behavioural and academic problems that can last into adulthood.

What we do

The aim of Kenzie's Gift is to ensure no kiwi kids face serious illness or grief alone. We support the mental health of children, young people and families affected by serious illness or bereavement. We do this by providing one on one therapy with registered mental health professionals, grief kits and extensive free online resources.

The legacy of Kenzie's Gift is not a story of miracles. It is one of the gutsy determination, tenacity and love of an amazing little girl, Mackenzie Eireann. Kenzie’s Gift was set up in 2006 by Nic Russell, Kenzie’s mum. Nic wanted to ensure that Kenzie’s legacy would live on by supporting children, young people and families through serious illness, cancer or bereavement.

Our services

- We offer one on one support with registered mental health professionals to young kiwis affected by serious illness or bereavement.

- Our programmes and resources are informed by current, evidence-based best practice for providing psychosocial care and support for children and young people. They're delivered by registered mental health professionals throughout New Zealand who are skilled and passionate about working with children and young people and their families. All of this support is free for young kiwis and their families.

- We also provide free information and resources to help young kiwis cope with the tough stuff, all available on our website: www.kenziesgift.com

Since our inception, we've delivered over 3,000 therapy sessions and distributed 100 journey and grief packs nationally.

With your help, we can do even more!