A group of passionate Kiwis, including some of New Zealand’s favourite former athletes, are taking part in a gruelling physical and mental challenge to raise awareness and money for youth mental health in New Zealand.
With the generosity and support of New Zealanders we will continue to supply private care and counselling for young people in distress.
The Due Drop Hope Challenge, sponsored by Due Drop Foundation, is a 16-day relay event to swim/bike/run the length of the North Island, from Cape Reinga to the Beehive in Wellington, to raise awareness about the struggles young people face accessing counselling, despite a $1.5 billion investment by the current government.
“The wait times for our kids to see a mental health professional are getting longer and it seems we are becoming more reliant on medication to fill the void. This challenge is the ideal opportunity to promote our free counselling service Gumboot Friday and inform Kiwis that there is an alternative to these excruciatingly long wait times and medication,” says Mike King.
Kicking off on April 11th, it will be run, cycled and swam by All Black Hall of Famer, Ian Jones MNZM, better known as the "kamo kid", and former World Triathlon champion, Commonwealth Games Triathlon champion and Commonwealth Games swimmer Rick Wells.
The event will conclude with a hīkoi to Parliament led by I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday founder Mike King, where he will meet with a government representative to convey the group’s concerns regarding the critical need for leadership and decisive action on improving youth mental health in New Zealand.
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There are several ways to get involved with the Due Drop Hope Challenge: become a sponsor by helping financially, by providing food or equipment for the event, make a donation, or come along to the community talks (which will be announced closer to the event). Check out our social pages for updates and information on the event: @gumbootfriday and @duedrophopechallenge
Contact us about sponsorship/supportAre you a business owner looking to support the Due Drop Hope Challenge? Download and display our posters in your street-facing window or somewhere visible to the public to let everyone know about our upcoming community events. The posters include information about the events and where to go in the local area. Thank you for your support!
Please note that the free community events will be rescheduled in April.
Our updated posters will be available soonWe challenge your workplace, gym or club to get behind the boys and do your own version of a triathlon.
download workplace/ club posterOrganise a run, bike or water activity, then challenge another
school, classroom or pre-school to do their own "triathlon"!
Ian Jones says the group of likeminded and probably “somewhat crazy old mates” are putting themselves through their paces to bring to the forefront the hopelessness and profound suffering that afflicts young people in New Zealand, driving New Zealand’s “absolutely tragic” suicide statistics.
All Black Hall of Famer, better known as the "kamo kid"
Former World Triathlon champion and a legend of swimming
Auckland businessman and keen swimmer
Auckland real estate guru and comic relief expert
Polio virus survivor for whom walking again was considered a miracle
Auckland IT professional and keen international swimmer
Founder of I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday
Former international rugby league star
On the way down the North Island, the athletes and their supporters will engage with local iwi, communities, schools, and businesses to encourage participation, whether it be running a kilometre with the team or meeting them at the finish line.
Follow the team's journey on Instagram: @gumbootfriday and @duedrophopechallenge
Due Drop Foundation trustee Richard Jeffery, ONZM, says supporting I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday was a no brainer. “Due Drop Foundation is about intelligent giving, so it was a simple decision to get in behind I Am Hope as naming sponsor.” Learn more about Due Drop.
Our generous corporate partners wholeheartedly support Gumboot Friday.
Costs are covered by the generous donors who give to I AM HOPE. If you would like to make a donation, please go here: Donate to I AM HOPE.
