Cool things you can do to help others!
A wee old round-up from a household full of sick tamariki!
I have sick kids this week which means I don’t have the time I need to finish editing a piece I’d hoped to share with you this week. Instead I thought I’d just share a few things you can do this week to help others. Arohanui, I hope you are well.
Want to sign some petitions? Yeah ya do!
Want to wear some merch that shows others you’re a community-minded person who cares about others? Yeah ya do!
Help the Jammers!
You’ll know I’m a big fan of Star Jam - we were able to raise a little bit of money for them earlier in the year. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. And Star Jam has had to close their doors. Star Jam provided free opportunities in music, dance and performance across the motu for disabled children and adults.
Sophie Williams who had just found out they no longer have a job with Star Jam as their Wellington workshop co-ordinator organised the Wellington end-of-year concert so that it can still go ahead for the families. You can read about the concert here. If you can help them cover the costs of the concert - click here.
Credit: Itschinwosu.
Join the day of action on World Children’s Day
The wonderful folks at Child Poverty Action Group are asking folks who care to bring the promise of halving child poverty to the nation’s attention with a day of action on World Children's Day 20th November 2024. Order a #PACT2028 pack to join the day of action. You’ll get a #PACT2028 friendship bracelet to show your support on your wrist. You’ll also get all of the information and all of the resources you need to raise child poverty to national significance.
There are HEAPS of raffles running right now. Here’s one:
Support the arts and support BATS Theatre!
BATS Theatre in Wellington is turning 35. Happy Birthday Bats. Support this great theatre by bidding on one of the amazing auction items or buying a ticket to their big birthday bash. You can bid on a literary pack that includes my book, signed by me!
Donate to Wellington Women’s House!
For more than 20 years, the Wellington Women’s House has been home to women who need a safe place to stay, often at a difficult time in their lives. If you’re not in Te Whanganui a Tara - there are houses like this all over the country. Find yours and see if you can donate some items.
The kind of things they are always in need of include:
sanitary items
toothbrushes and toothpaste
deodorant
single sheets sets (new or near-new quality)*
single duvet covers (new or near-new quality)*
new single bed duvets (new only, due to health and safety)*
new pillows
blankets and throws
cutlery
magazines
They also appreciate birthday and moving out gifts for our residents, like movie vouchers (this is one of the most appreciated gifts), pamper packs, nice coffee mugs or tea cups, scarves and bath bombs
Sometimes there are specific call outs like this one:
Spread the word: We want Dental for All!
Did you know that 40% of adults can’t afford the dental care that they need? Free and universal oral healthcare would mean everyone in Aotearoa could afford the regular check-ups and care they need, unlocking pathways for better oral health for everyone.
Dental for All are calling for free and universal oral healthcare in Aotearoa, as part of a public health system which is well-resourced and consistent with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Dental for All is about a future where everyone can access the oral healthcare they need, and all of our communities can thrive. Fill out this Google form to share a quote with us about why you think this kaupapa is important. Check out their Facebook page for upcoming events. Sign their petition to keep in the loop.
Share their JUST RELEASED report: Adult oral health in Aotearoa: The costs of inaction.
Sponsor a family at Christmas!
Donate $20 and The Kindness Collective will turn it into a brand new toy for a child in need at Christmas. Help fill the fridge and provide food for Christmas for a family in need for $50. Donate $100 and provide another family presents and food for Christmas Day.
Events across the motu!
If you’re in Te Whanganui a Tara there is a National Rally for Gaza - 11am 11 December 2024 at Queens Wharf in Poneke. This weekend on 16 November, we’ll be at Waitangi Park across from Chaffers New World from 1pm.
Come to this fundraiser for diabetes camp! It’s family friendly! I’ll be there with my boy who will be speaking about camp and how great it is.
You can also join Tamatha Paul door knocking to get signatures for the boot camp petition. More info here.
On Thursday there’s the Hīkoi Mo Te Tiriti - Pōneke Fundraiser at Meow.
Outside of Wellington (remember you can always email me to let me know about events - or comment below) there’s the Marlborough Foodbank Street Appeal 2024.
If you’re in Tāmaki Makaurau - there’s Love Your Maunga ki Māngere Mountain. Plus a rally for Palestine on 16th November at 2pm at Britomart and a fundraiser for Sudan - Sudan do you still dream? - on 22 November 8.30pm at Raynham Park.
There’s an amazing line up at the Freedom for Palestine event on Sunday 17 November at Ponsonby Social including
!At Mt Maunganui, there’s a flag waving session at 11am on Sunday 17 November at Coronation Park. Go along and meet some nice people!
In Ōtautahi on 1 December, there’s a live Q&A with vascular surgeon Dr Ismail followed by a traditional Palestinian meal. Details here. This Friday (15 November) there’s a 4pm flag waving gathering at the Bridge of Remembrance until 6pm. And on 19 November in Kaiapoi, folks are meeting at 3.30pm to flag wave until 5pm on the Ohaka Rd over bridge over State Highway 1. More details at Ōtautahi PSNA.
Here’s another raffle!
And of course Hīkoi mō te Tiriti which everyone is invited to join! More info here.
I know that it can all feel hopeless - but it isn’t. Together we can make a difference. I truly believe hopefulness is the antidote to helplessness. But hope isn’t passive - we have to work on it. I truly believe action always helps when we are feeling hopeless or low or like nothing will ever change. Luckily, there’s always something - not matter how small - that we can do. Let’s go be the change we want to see in the world x
Once again thanks for making it easy for us to make a difference. I signed and donated to various things!
So many beautiful organisations and so much fantastic mahi to support ❤️
Sending you and your whānau loads of aroha 💛💛 and get well vibes 🍋🫚🍯