The Call
Emily Writes Weekly
Welcome to The Call. The place where we come together to try to make things better. Everything feels overwhelming right now, like there’s too much pain in the world to ever make a difference.
We can all make a difference - even if it’s in just a tiny way. Here are some causes to get behind. I hope they help you to feel less helpless.
What is happening? Lots of families are struggling with rent increases, the increasing cost of food, petrol price increases…Many families budget every last cent so even a small increase on any essentials means going without food.
Where can I read more?
'We've all failed' - Report finds child poverty in NZ unchanged
The rising price of groceries and the human cost of food insecurity
What can I do to help?
You can sponsor a child in Aotearoa through Variety NZ. Variety has also set up Payroll Giving. Donate to a food bank in your area - here’s a breakdown. Each food bank has a different bank account and you can set up an automatic payment.
What is happening? Diabetes NZ has renewed their calls for funding for Continuous Glucose Monitors and Flash Glucose Monitors - not just life-changing, but life-saving for everyone who depends on insulin to stay alive.
Where can I read more?
My son Eddie spoke at a Select Committee hearing last year about how the CGM has changed his life. Read what he said here.
Here are some words from me about the CGM and how important it is.
'My new life': Anika Moa details harrowing journey to type 1 diabetes diagnosis
Thousands call for Government to better fund diabetes monitoring devices
What can I do to help?
Check out the hashtag #CGMforall on Facebook and Instagram and please reshare posts and help to make the voices of insulin-dependent diabetics heard. Follow Diabetes NZ on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Tag PHARMAC on Facebook and use the hashtag #pharmacnz on Instagram or other social media.
What is happening? A group of women are supporting a survivor of abuse - Megan - as she shares her story. Content warning for abuse: Megan is rebuilding her life – she’s working toward a medical degree, intending to spend her life helping others caught in cycles of abuse. She’s overcome so much, and we’re full of hope for her future. In her therapeutic journey, she’s bravely written her life story.
Where can I read more?
Megan’s blog (Strong content warning for abuse)
What can I do to help?
Megan is looking for encouragement and community - so send her a message and read her story here. The struggle has left Megan with an immediate financial debt - any support you offer will help immensely with Megan’s living and recovery expenses. Donate via Givealittle.
Ukraine is still in great need - read the Urgent Ukraine issue of The Call.
Arohanui. Thank you for your generosity.
Em x
Thank you so much for creating ‘The Call’ Emily! So many of these organisations I’ve never heard of but do such wonderful things. I never knew you could ‘sponsor’ a child in NZ and now you’ve alerted me to this I’m off to sponsor one now. Thank you xxx
Emily, I’m always so impressed with “The Call”. Thank you for this.
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about digital exclusion and the ongoing effects on marginalised communities.
I’m hoping this might be useful to pass along to anyone who needs it - it’s Broadband for $5 for 30GB, (they give you a modem) and this is aimed at low income families, senior citizens, refugees and the migrant community; it’s not for profit. No credit checks or contracts. It doesn’t seem to be well advertised. I don’t work for Skinny, since I’m worried this sounds like a damn advert! I just spend a bit of time looking up resources for a friend who works with refugees and migrants.
https://www.skinny.co.nz/jump/about/