Wellington festival kicks off Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2016

A free community festival is being held on Saturday 3 September on Cuba Mall from 11am – 3pm, kicking off Gambling Harm Awareness Week for 2016.

Themed United Communities Celebrating Healthy Families, it is a free family event, hosted by the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF) and Mapu Maia. Supported by Choice Not Chance and The Salvation Army Oasis Services.

Pesio Ah-Honi Siitia, National Public Health Manager at the Problem Gambling Foundation, says the event is to raise awareness about the harm from gambling in our communities and promote health and wellbeing.

“While the festival is always a lot of fun it allows us to have conversations with people about harmful gambling in our communities,” she says.

Gambling Harm Awareness Week is from 5 September to 11 September and has superseded Gamblefree Day which was traditionally held on 1 September. Events and activities will take place around the country during this week.

United Communities will feature entertainment, prizes, music, dancing and activities, as well as information stalls from Parent Help, Youthline, Pacific Health Service, the Electoral Commission and Atareira.

“We have some great local entertainment and plenty of family friendly activities. We are building on the success of last year’s event in Cuba Mall and hope that people will come along and enjoy the day,” Pesio says.

Visitors to the event will be entertained by the Ash Lam, The Breakout Dance Company, The Hope Gene, Two The Well, DJ Oboe, Shivam Dance Academy, Sandra Ivanovand many more. There will be spot prizes and lots of free goodies.

The event is being held on Saturday 3 September at the Cuba Mall (between the Bucket Fountain and 122 Cuba Mall), Wellington from 11 am until 3 pm.

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