Gumboot walkers gather for charity
Community event raises funds to aid kids’ mental health
People in Te Awamutu put their gumboots on and headed to Albert Park at the Te Awamutu Rugby Sports and Recreations Club last Friday to fundraise for the Gumboot Friday initiative created by I Am Hope, which raises money to help provide kids with free counselling in a timely manner.
There was live entertainment from Rowdy’s Rose, and the kids enjoyed bouncy castles, face painting, a petting farm and games.
There were food trucks offering food and drink, and stalls from community health services. In attendance were Kainga Aroha Community House Te Awamutu, Te Awamutu St John Ambulance, Te Awamutu Commsafe, Te Awamutu Māori Women’s Welfare League, Creative Inspiring Journeys, Punui River Care and Toi Te Ora.
“It was awesome,” said event organiser Laura Kingsford.
“The sun was shining, and there were over 1000 people there enjoying a range of food and entertainment together. It was a fun, safe and relaxing atmosphere, with lots of laughs thrown in, too.”
The highlight for Laura was seeing all the smiles on the children’s faces, and the fields filledwith families were priceless.
“Watching people walk together and hold hands during the Gumboot Walk, led by the Te Awamutu Highland Pipe Band, was really special,” says Laura.
“Honestly, just having everyone together was soul food for us all.
“The community involvement was massive, and being a fundraiser for Gumboot Friday, it was definitely heartwarming to see so much love and community support there. It definitely proves you are not alone, and there is always someone to talk to.”
The money from the Gumboot Gala has been counted — they raised $3166.80.
Gumboot UP Te Awamutu on their Facebook page said: “Not only did we fundraise, but we also raised awareness in our community, and got to know some of our health, emergency and wellbeing services. We also had heaps of family fun with our loved ones and each other.”
Their committee is already looking at preparations for the 2023 Gumboot Gala, which will be bigger and better than this year’s gala.
With little time and no funding, they really had to rely on sponsorships, community-minded individuals and organisations to make this event possible.
Laura gave a shout-out and deep gratitude to the “businesses, local organisations, volunteers and everyone in attendance for making this event the success it was. Lots of hands make light work, and we can make
such adifference together. Thank you all so much!”
The Golden Gumboot, signed by Mike King, was awarded to Te Awamutu — Kihikihi Community Board member, Jill Taylor.
This was in honour significant contribution of her to the
Gumboot Friday Initiative in 2022.
The planning committee of Kane Rangitonga, Linda Sprangers, Kim Stojanovic-Swift, Ollie Ward and Laura Saunders were especially appreciative of all those who helped make the event a success, including the aforementioned health providers:
Main sponsors: Te Awamutu Sports and Recreation Club, Kainga
Aroha, LJ Hooker Te Awamutu, BDS Tinting and Graphics, Waipa Hire, FreshChoice, Te Awamutu Lions Club, Magills Butchery, LM Automotive;
Entertainment: Rowdy’s Rose, Xtreme Hip Hop with BK, Te Awamutu Highland Pipe Band, Big Bubble Buzz;
Business and community members who donated prizes: Tones Personal Training, Sparkly Couture Boutique, LJ photography, Vicky Wright Property Brokers, Fahrenheit Restaurant & Bar, Hampton Downs, FreshChoice, The Warehouse, Kuwi the Kiwi — Kat Quinn, Mitre 10 Mega, Jill Taylor, Earth House, St John;
MCs: Ema Wilson and Ben Overington.
Reach out to someone you trust. See your doctor or school counsellor, or call:
If you need help, please:
● Key to Life Trust: 0800 2KORERO (0800 256 7376)
● Youthline: 0800 376 633 (Free text 234)
● Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (Free text 4357)