How much KiwiBank is REALLY donating to the Gumboot Friday Fund

Publish Date
Friday, 22 February 2019, 9:40AM

If you've been on Facebook recently, you will no doubt have seen Kiwibank’s "I am Hope: New Zealander of the Year Gumboot Friday" Facebook frame popping up all over your newsfeed.

In support of Mike King’s I Am Hope charity, KiwiBank came up with the idea to donate one dollar to the Gumboot Up NZ Fund for every Kiwi who added the frame to their profile picture.

The profile picture frame is usually accompanied by a message along the lines of "Kiwibank’s donating $1 for everyone who adds the frame. This aims towards providing free counselling to New Zealand’s youth!"

Due to the fact that nearly your whole friend list has basically used it, we wondered how much money this would actually end up being, given the amazing cause.

Brand Manager of KiwiBank Kim Waghorn said yesterday morning: "The response has blown us away. We were hoping it would reach 20,000 people but we’ve already passed the 21,000 mark! It’s clear this is resonating strongly and something Kiwis really care about. Based on the overwhelming response, Kiwibank is committing up to $50,000 towards the cause."

CEO of Kiwibank Steve Jurkovich added: "It is great to see New Zealand recognising what an important issue this. Every gesture counts."

2019 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Mike King said: "When Kiwibank came to me and said they would donate up to $20,000 if Kiwis used the frame I was stoked. It was beyond what I thought was possible. Now they’ve said they’ll go up to $50,000, well that’s beyond what I hoped for. This is an amazing initiative – come on New Zealand, get behind it."

As of 11.30am yesterday the frame reached over 50,000 uses!

It's unclear if Kiwibank will donate more than $50,000 if the frame's use continues to grow.

But if you haven't already, use the frame or donate to I Am Hope.

Let's help young Kiwis get free counseling!

 

WHERE TO GET HELP:

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else's in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

OR IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ELSE:

  • LIFELINE:0800 543 354 or 09 5222 999 within Auckland (available 24/7)
  • SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
  • YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633 , free text 234 or email [email protected]or online chat.
  • NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)
  • KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
  • WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
  • DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757
  • SAMARITANS – 0800 726 666.

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