Pakuranga United Rugby Club [PURC] has partnered with youth mental health charity I Am Hope, committing support through funding ongoing counselling sessions with the organisation.
The club is funding 60 counselling sessions per year through I Am Hope which will help young people across the country.
Since its inception 10 years ago, I Am Hope has provided more than 10,000 Kiwi youngsters with timely, free mental health support and have the goal to create positive societal change.
Pakuranga United Rugby Club general manager Mike Bongiovanni has led the connection and said it was an obvious organisation to partner with.
“Our club is built on young people and their specific mission is helping young people, so rather than talk about acting, we’ve acted,” Bongiovanni said.
“We have larger aspirations with I Am Hope and will run a community hui with other youth-focused groups in our area to connect and fully understand how and who they help and how we can get the best outcomes for our community.
“Providing financial support in funding these counselling sessions is a no-brainer and we hope other organisations in the position to do so, can be inspired to do the same.”
I Am Hope CEO Troy Elliot said the organisation is super excited for this partnership with Pakuranga United Rugby Club lead by Bongiovanni.
“The offer of five free counselling session per month by the PURC is significant impact to
promoting mental health and wellbeing.”
A familiar face to many at the club, former rugby league star Richie Barnett and I Am Hope’s partnership manager, echoes Elliot’s excitement.
“As a local and someone who played for the club, I’m excited that I am Hope is partnering with a club to make a difference in the lives of our children,” Barnett said.
“The unique collaboration combines the power of sports and the dedication of I Am Hope to address the growing concern of mental health issues in our society.
“By joining forces, we aim to raise awareness, reduce stigma and provide much-needed support to our children who face mental health challenges.”
- Learn more about I Am Hope at www.iamhope.org.nz/.
