DAY TEN
Our second video showcasing the amazing work of I Have a Dream Trust.
We spend time talking to the Navigators who are based at Tikipunga High School in Whangarei, who work with a range of secondary school students. Based on the high school campus, these Navigators form caring relationships with students and provide lunch time, after school and holiday programmes for the students to partake in.
Every student we spoke to talked about how much they loved being part of the I Have a Dream programme and how it gives them the self-belief and direction to achieve their dreams after they finish at school.
DAY NINE
We are back with the final instalments of the 12 Days of Giving.
Last year, one of our most popular videos was when we interviewed Scott Gilmour, the founder of I Have a Dream Trust. Scott is a true philanthropist with a passion for helping young people in the community.
Our next two videos delve into the amazing support that I have a Dream Trust provide to rangatahi across Whangarei.
We speak to navigators who work with heart, intelligence and pride supporting young people right through their schooling life. Today's video takes us to Totara Grove School, to see the support provided for primary students.
DAY EIGHT
Sarah Page and her team at the Kindness Collective (KC) provide a range of support for families and young people that need a little extra help, especially around the holidays.
Based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Sarah tells us about the Christmas Joy Store and Te Makete Harikoa, KC’s social supermarket. Kindness is more than just a name, for KC it describes the caring and affirming way that they engage with the local people.
Another organisation that is able to operate due to the generous support of community and philanthropic giving, KC shows us why collective giving can lead to a more joyful Christmas for kids and their whanau.
Thank you again to Angela Gattung for her support of the Kindness Collective.
DAY SEVEN
Today's giving story comes from Kōhine Robotics in Tairāwhiti, one of the most innovative programmes to support wāhine students.
With support from the Gattung Foundation, Tōnui Collab in Gisborne supports teams of girls in years 6 to 9 from different kura to collaboratively experiment with VEX IQ Robotics. Students also get to learn from wāhine leaders who are established in science and technology roles and gain confidence that they too can follow career pathways inspired by scientific study.
The Tōnui Collab story shows just how important it is to have visionary funders team up with passionate educators to provide remarkable opportunities for young people.
We want to thank Lytton High School for hosting our visit to the Kōhine Robotics programme, Shanon O'Connor for welcoming us into her kaupapa and Angela Gattung for being a wonderful human.
DAY SIX
This week we will be taking a closer look at how philanthropic giving is utilised across the country to support and empower rangatahi young people.
First up, we visit Te Ōhaka Tīwhera in Invercargill. Funded by Te Rourou One Foundation, this group of truly amazing young people form a panel to make funding decisions "by rangatahi, for rangatahi". Te Rourou embrace a high-trust, collaborative funding approach that shows we have a lot to learn from our rangatahi.
The purpose of Te Ōhaka Tīwhera is to make granting decisions to support young Māori people in the region. This group of future leaders are showing what can be achieved when you approach grant making with knowledge of those you are wanting to support.
DAY FIVE
Happy International Volunteers Day!
Today we return to The Food Basket in Central Hawkes Bay to learn from Mel King and her team how important volunteers' contributions are.
Across New Zealand, over 50% of kiwis will volunteer during the year. However, recent data shows that one the biggest challenges facing community organisations is having enough volunteers and retaining those they do have.
So, if you're inspired by the today's video, maybe you can put your hand up to help out in your community.
DAY FOUR
As we move towards International Volunteer Day, we are stoked to share stories of how generous volunteering can support our communities.
Today we present Fair Food, a food rescue service that helps to feed people in the West Auckland area. Michelle Blau and her team do this with support from funders and other community groups, but also rely heavily on volunteers across Auckland.
Learn more about a group from the Younger Onset Dementia Collective who volunteer their time every week to prepare and pack food for others. Not only do they volunteer, but as most of them also suffer from younger onset dementia, it is a great way for them to participate in a way that helps them feel needed and appreciated.
DAY THREE
Meet the amazing team at The Food Basket in Central Hawkes Bay.
With the help of lots of community giving, Mel King leads a dedicated group of staff and volunteers to distribute rescued and donated food back into the local community. The Food Basket is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when a caring vision combines with local support and is backed by superstar donors!
Stay tuned for more from The Food Basket tomorrow.
DAY TWO
Today we have a special message from Louise Upston, Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector.
Minister Upston is a staunch advocate for the community sector. Today, she shares messages that demonstrate why philanthropic giving is so important to thriving communities across New Zealand.
Check out her video to also learn more about how New Zealand is one of the most generous countries in the world.
DAY ONE
Today we launch the 2025 12 Days of Giving campaign.
Over the next couple of weeks, you will see stories of community groups that are supported by philanthropic giving, community giving and volunteering.
You will hear from community leaders from Invercargill to Whangārei and plenty in between. You will also see the grassroot benefits that occur when a caring vision is supported by philanthropic generosity.
Check out today's video to get a sneak peek of what’s coming up.
#12daysofgiving