Purple power HELPs people affected by sexual abuse

On March 19th, local celebrities, community dignitaries, Aucklanders and HELP staff will don their best purple attire for HELP’s annual Colour Me Purple Charity Auction. Emceed by soap star Aaron Ward, the night’s entertainment includes performances by Kiwi music icon Debbie Harwood, Dancing with the Stars
personality Brian Jones performing with award-winning dancers Hannah Honey and George Ciprian.

A long-time provider of specialised services for Auckland women and children who have experienced sexual abuse or assault, HELP relies heavily on fundraising and donations to support those in need in the community. Their services include 24/7 crisis services, therapy services for youth, children and families, justice services and preschool safety programmes.

All auction items have been generously donated or sponsored, meaning all proceeds from Colour Me Purple go directly toward furthering HELP’s crucial work. Each year, HELP are overwhelmed by the generosity and support of local businesses and people from the community, however, this year they are rallying to hit their most ambitious fundraising target yet - $50,000 to help them bridge the funding shortfall they face in delivering their crucial services.

“Colour Me Purple has been bringing together people who are committed to ending sexual violence in our communities for four years,” says HELP’s Fundraising Manager, Kathryn Michie. “But there are still so many people that need our help. We want to extend an invite to Auckland, to join us for an evening that will help us raise vital funds to further meet the demand.”

Along with celebrity entertainment, there will be both a live and silent auction. Outstanding locally-made art is on offer, as well as amazing experiences, including a walk-on part with local heartthrob and sexual violence prevention educator Sam Bunkle on Shortland Street, a weekend away experiencing Waikato’s Waitomo caves and Hobbiton, and three nights at the Gold Coast in the Sheraton Mirage Resort with flights included.

With just 150 tickets available for the exclusive evening, guests will enjoy refreshments provided by sponsors Heineken and Export Citrus, and a wide range of delicious canapés generously provided by Color Me Purple’s principle sponsor and venue provider KPMG.

Formerly the Auckland Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation, HELP Foundation was founded in 1982, following doctors and police identifying the need for specialised support for survivors of sexual abuse or sexual assault.

The demand for HELP’s services increases annually. Over a nine-month period in 2014, HELP responded to 423 call-outs, provided 107 face-to-face counselling sessions and answered 12,080 crisis phone calls. While financially stretched, the organisation continues to support survivors through their passionate staff and HELP’s work relies on people who are dedicated to making a difference. Through Color Me Purple, they are appealing to Aucklanders to help support the cause, while having an amazing and inspirational evening.

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