More than any other group, the events of the last couple of years have affected our children and youth. That’s why Kindred Family Services are inviting the communities of North West Rodney to take to Muriwai Beach on Sunday the 20th of November, and help us raise $30,000 toward this important local cause.
Turning The Tide Fundraising Event is a 17km walk/run or 5km gentle walk on our rugged and beautiful Muriwai Beach. This year, there is also a 1.5km whânau trail with fun activities for children and families to enjoy. Kindred invites you to choose the walk that most suits you and your family and are encouraging groups of 5 or more to enter the teams event and compete for prizes, recognition, and social status.
Kindred’s clinical manager, Kim Wills, states Kindred have accepted, on average, 7 new referrals per month in the past year for children and youth who are facing complex and overwhelming challenges in their lives. That’s 84 young people annually requiring at least 10 counselling sessions for themselves and their families. This is a significant increase on previous years, and currently, demand is stretching Kindreds funds to support this growing need. In talking to our local schools, we know that the referrals for this service could easily be tripled given the growing demand.
“Our work with tamariki and rangatahi in our communities has demonstrated to us that they are brave, intelligent, resourceful, and hopeful of a better future. We can work together with schools, families and our community to provide the necessary care and support they need to heal, build on their strengths, and grow into thriving, confident citizens.”
Kim Wills, Clinical Manager, Kindred Family Services.
Ana Christmas, Executive Director at Kindred, also highlights how, not only are the counsellors in high demand but there is a need for additional spaces for therapeutic sessions to take place, both in and out of the school environment. She hopes that the community will get behind this cause and help Kindred to create these spaces so that they can reduce the barriers to support for the children of our community.
“With $30,000.00, Kindred can deliver an additional 300 therapy sessions for children, youth, and their families. This intervention will work alongside existing programs and tools that promote a loving, safe, and supportive home environment through these challenging times.”
Ana Christmas, Executive Director, Kindred Family Services
With the help of local organisations, including Generation Homes, Rollercoaster, and Lions Waimauku, Kindred are already partway toward their $30,000.00 target, and they are optimistic that the community will show up on the day and help get them all the way there.
For more information and to get your tickets, visit the Turning The Tide events page on facebook, and on the Kindred Family Services website.
In 2018 strong southerlies and a few chilly passing showers weren’t enough to put off 200 walkers who braved the elements to show their support for a family-violence free northwest Auckland on Sunday 27th May 2018.
The second annual Turning The Tide Fundraising Walk saw 175 people walk 17-kilometres from Rimmer Road access to the beach near Helensville to the Muriwai Surf Club.
