Dannevirke raises funds for free kids’ counselling on Gumboot Friday

Participants at the Gumboot Friday relay in Dannevirke. Photo / Francis Hape

What started as one woman’s idea transpired into a day of fun and fitness for people raising funds for Gumboot Friday at the Upper Dannevirke Domain.

Gumboot Friday is an initiative by mental health charity I Am Hope that provides under-25s with free counselling services.

A relay raised a total of $8527 through the team registration fees, donations from local businesses, remembrance hours, raffles and gold coin donations.

Co-organiser of the event Vicki Priday said she had a team of helpers who made the “epic” day a success, with walkers relaying from 8am until 4.58pm, and even a rain shower at the end of the day didn’t put people off.

Priday came up with the idea to relay for 538 minutes to represent the number of people who died by suspected suicide in the 2021 and 2022 financial year, and was originally going to do it all herself before her husband suggested she get others involved.

She co-organised the event with her friend Meghan Moore, and the event saw over 160 registrations and sponsorship from local businesses.

Team Priday relayed in remembrance of family member Jonathan.

Priday’s older brother Jonathan died when she was 5 years old and had been a huge motivator behind her efforts in fundraising for suicide prevention.

She said it was important for her that it was not a race, and it was great to see people of all ages and mobility levels out on the track.

One stand-out participant was 12-year-old Koby Smyth, who completed 128 laps in remembrance of his great-grandmother Hazel Smyth.

She said there are no immediate plans for another relay, but her husband has suggested they hold a concert next year.

Where to get help

• Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
• The Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions).
• Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
• The Lowdown Text 5626 for support to help young people recognise and understand depression or anxiety.
• Alcohol Drug Helpline (0800 787 797)

Follow the link to find out what to do if you are worried about someone’s immediate safety.

Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and has a love for sharing stories about farming and rural communities.