Sysmex New Zealand answered the call to #GumbootUpNZ on 5th April in support of the I Am Hope Gumboot Friday campaign to raise funds for free and timely counselling for any child in New Zealand who needs help with mental health issues.

Mike King and the team at I Am Hope said it best, when they stated ‘having depression is like walking through mud every day.’ So, their idea to have people across New Zealand pull on their gumboots and donate a gold coin was a uniquely kiwi way to raise awareness and funds for children in need.

Sysmex staff added their own ‘fashion on the field’ fun twist with prizes on offer for prettiest gumboots (an incredibly difficult one to judge); oldest gumboots (33 years, which proves quality counts when buying gumboots); and dirtiest gumboots (a down to the wire decision). While there was a great deal of laughter during the event, the seriousness of the initiative was never far from people’s minds and it was great to see this reflected in the overwhelming generosity by staff in their donations.

While Government agencies are doing their best, some children can have a wait of up to six months before they can receive the counselling they so urgently need. The I Am Hope team has promised that 100% of all donations raised for Gumboot Friday will go directly to where it is needed – getting kiwi kids the help and support they need, when they need it most; with the funds only being accessed by mental health professionals who are engaged in therapy or counselling with children who meet the criteria.

Find out more about how you can support this fantastic cause by visiting the I Am Hope website.