The Hastings District Council is getting behind Gumboot Friday with a sausage sizzle in the city centre this Friday to raise funds for mental health counselling for children.

The Gumboot Friday initiative comes from New Zealander of the Year, Mike King, and the mental health charity I AM HOPE, who are asking New Zealanders to wear their gumboots to work or school on Gumboot Friday (5 April) for a gold coin donation.

Along with the council, schools across the Hastings district are getting on board to contribute to the goal of raising $2 million to fund counselling for school-aged kids.

Those participating are being asked to wear gumboots for the day, representing the feeling for many that having depression or anxiety can feel like walking through mud every day, and for people to show those struggling that they are not alone.

Hastings district councillor and Hawke’s Bay District Health Board member Jacoby Poulain says she supports this event as recognition of these issues is as important in Hastings as anywhere else in the country.

“I hope we can make this support at a local Hawke’s Bay level ongoing.”

Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst urged the community to come into the city centre during their lunch break on Friday, and help raise money for this important campaign.

“Almost every family in Hastings will have either been directly affected by mental health or knows another whānau struggling with it.

“This campaign is really important for our community and I hope it will keep the conversation going about the importance of reaching out and asking for help.

“I’m proud to support Gumboot Friday and what it is trying to achieve for our young people.”

ENDS

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