According to the latest coroner's report, of the 569 suicides in New Zealand, 428 were men. Mr Sloman hoped the community would get behind the charity to help bring the funding back up.
"By sharing our stories, by having real conversations, and by being there for each other, Whirlwind is helping men to feel better about life.
"Whirlwind doesn't need a lot and no one gets paid. We work on a budget of $5000 a year."
Founded in 2010 by Paraparaumu counsellor Martin Sloman and Waikanae singer-songwriter Ryan Edwards, Whirlwind slowly gained recognition as a charity working to get men talking.
Having started out with a musical concert at Lindale Auditorium, Whirlwind now has up to 250 members located mainly in Kapiti, as well as other areas of New Zealand.
Last week, a Facebook post made by the team was read by more than 5000 supporters.
"There are men in Whirlwind who are still alive because of the service and that is reason enough.
"For others, it provides emotional as well as practical support in times of need, and this is often provided by those men who may have their own needs too."
In recent months Whirlwind had set up a community garden in Paraparaumu with the help of volunteers, where fresh produce is grown, harvested and donated to people in need within the community.
"The garden gives a purpose to those working on it, it requires nurturing, and it provides for a wonderful feel-good moment when you see the impact of your work and generosity."
He said without secured funding, planning Whirlwind's next move was hard.
"Funding goes towards therapy when needed and other items when they form a barrier for well-being, such as food and petrol.
"We would like to run more Whirlwind workshops, bring speakers and work more actively with community partners around boys and youth."
It also covered activities, including monthly Whirlwind meals, outreach work, the charity's website and digital costs and exercise and sport subsidies for members and whanau.
Local photographer Jade Stevens got behind Whirlwind last week after seeing their plea for financial support online.
The mother of three, who connected with Whirlwind through her husband, offered to run a photography fundraiser to gather funds, which she hoped would help more men in the community.
She is offering a 15 to 20-minute photoshoot at Otaihanga Domain for up to six people, which includes 10 edited images on a disc. At a cost of $60, all money raised will go to Whirlwind.
"Whirlwind does fantastic work and it would be a huge loss if it wasn't able to run any more," she said.
"I strongly encourage people to find out more about this awesome service and get behind them in whatever way you can."
Mr Sloman had advice for others wanting to assist.
"Follow us on Facebook, share our message, visit the website and read the stories of men.
"Grow some seedlings for our community garden or donate to our compost heap.
"Buy a Whirlwind hoody or t-shirt, run a sausage sizzle for us, shake a tin or bake a cake.
"If your employers sponsor a charity, please get them to consider us. Whatever you can do, however small, it helps."
Donations can be made to Whirlwind's ANZ bank account: 01-0731-0216534-00.
To book a shoot with Jade Photography, phone 0278206770. Spots are available between 1pm and 4pm on Saturday, August 19 and 10am and 1pm on Sunday, August 20.
