https://www.facebook.com/pledgeme/videos/1716593481736217/
Last year, thanks to their crowd, Taranaki Retreat opened its doors. The suicide prevention facility provides a safe and supportive space for Kiwis dealing with suicidal thoughts; or those who have lost someone to suicide; or anyone who is feeling the pressure of life is just too much. They’ve been doing incredible work, but their services are inundated – over 1000 people have got in touch in the last year alone, far more people than they can manage.
That’s where their latest campaign comes in. The retreat needs to appoint a Community Support Worker to assist with supporting guests, but they don’t currently have the funds to do so. They’re reaching out to their crowd for help with funding a worker for 12 months, and in return they’re offering exciting rewards: everything from homemade chocolate brownies, to the naming rights to a tree.
The campaign has less than two weeks left and they really need your help, so we talked to campaign runner Jamie about why people should be getting on board.
Why do you think this campaign is important?
We believe that one loss to suicide is way, way too many. And anybody who has lost someone close will agree. Our reality is that we have a major, terrible and growing problem. However, this unique and highly effective community-based solution (which is not beset by a heap of requirements or a complex referral process) is seeing some INCREDIBLE results. Prevention is the way forward – and that’s what we’re all about.
What motivated you to reach out to your crowd?
We need to respond swiftly and meticulously to every single inquiry we receive. Without fail. Our team needs to grow to accomplish this. There is an urgency to this shout out – we need to move on this NOW! And have some breathing space to line up long-term funding for the position.
What do you have planned for the rest of your campaign – anything for us to look forward to?
YES! We have some AMAZING rewards…. and some funky updates still to come – including some seriously cool little video clips showing inside views of the work we are doing. We also have a further goal that we’re seriously excited about – and there’s more information about that in the campaign.
Anything else you want t0 shout out to your crowd?
Please spread the word. Pledge as much as you possibly can, and we promise to do you proud. We believe this work is about all of us – and here’s a direct way you can make a difference – right NOW! Arohanui ki a koutou….
