Official launch of the men’s MATES charity

Official launch of the men’s MATES charity.

The Gallagher Group World Headquarters in Hamilton was the setting for the official launch of the MATES Charity last week.

Speakers on the night included Sir William Gallagher, who is the patron of MATES, Fashion designer Annah Stretton and Waikato Police District Commander, Superintendant Bruce Bird.

The evening’s Master Of Ceremonies was Phillip Quay, the founder of MediaPA, who are a proud sponsor of MATES. Representatives from the Waikato Chiefs and the New Zealand Police were also attendance.

“MATES not only assist Men in crisis giving them direction and support, but help to turn that direction into purpose, enabling Men to become the best they can be; role-models in our community,” says Kerry Babbage, founder of MATES.

The MATES Men’s Network reaches out to those Men in Crisis; going through major life change such as relationship breakdowns, loss and grief and depression, helping to lower the staggering statistics of MALE Suicide and issues such as family violence.

“When going through crisis in their lives, men seem to isolate themselves, getting through one crisis, bracing for the next, and rarely seeking out help from other men, possibly as it implies weakness, or the thinking to “tough it through, in time it will be fine”,” says Kerry. MATES is about supporting others, to lend a hand when someone finds Life difficult

“MATES is about men becoming the best they can be, it is up to you how fast or slow you take it, how long you stay and how far you go,” says Kerry

The night was capped off with a auction with items from The Waikato Chiefs and other prizes with all proceeds going to MATES.

Mates depend on contributions and donations from members of the communities that they serve. You can help by donating, you can do this by contacting mates Info@mates.org.nz or 0800 4MATES

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