It was a brisk, early start for the 80 or so participants in the first ever Turning The Tide Fundraising Walk on Sunday 21 May, aimed at “turning the tide” against family violence.
They met at the Rimmer Road end of Muriwai Beach and set off at 8am on a 15 kilometer walk, the bracing sea winds blowing in their faces all the way till the end at Muriwai Surf Club where the Waimauku Lions put on a welcome BBQ for participants.
The event raised $11,000 for the Kia Timata Ano Trust women’s refuge, which serves the northwest region from Riverhead, Taupaki, Kumeu/Huapai, Waimauku, Muriwai and Woodhill.
The money raised will go towards the $25,000 needed to employ a third advocate at the refuge with much of their work done in the community, empowering women to make the necessary changes to keep themselves and their children safe and live free from domestic violence.
Organisers were buoyed by the presence of community leaders including Rodney Board member Greg Sayers and Te Tai Tokerau MP, Kelvin Davis who took part, as well as the generous financial support from event sponsors, particularly Kumeu Rotary, Allan Wallace Builders and Waimauku Doctors.
It’s hoped it will become an annual event.
<all photo credits> Vic Logan, Stellanova Photography.
The final stretch towards Muriwai Surf Club
Johanna Cotter and Susie Cropper
Some of the younger participants
Kelvin Davis, Te Tai Tokerau MP; Greg Sayers, Rodney Board
Member; and Harry Hillebrand, Chairman Kia Timata Ano Trust.
Walking in solidarity for a family violence free northwest Auckland
Making strides against family violence
