The Warehouse raises over $170,000 for vulnerable kids

The Warehouse raises over $170,000 for vulnerable kids

21 December 2015

Barnardos New Zealand’s children’s helpline, 0800 What’s Up, will be given an incredible boost from The Warehouse following a successful in-store pen campaign.

During the month of October, generous customers of The Warehouse purchased close to 90,000 fundraising pens throughout New Zealand.

0800 What’s Up Operations Manager, Karen Billings says children and young people will benefit hugely, with the funds being vital to the ongoing development of the Web Chat counselling service and the further development of online resources including forums and message boards.

“Some children who are in desperate need of help don’t have the confidence to talk to a counsellor on the phone and this is where Web Chat counselling is essential. Without the generous support of organisations like The Warehouse and their customers, we wouldn’t be there for children and young people when they need us most.”

“The Warehouse has great community values. We’re so proud to have partnered with them on this and are so grateful for their continued support,” says Billings.

0800 What’s Up are always looking for the best ways to connect with young people in need. Since its launch in October 2014, What’s Up Web Chat counsellors have answered over 3,100 chat sessions and helped with serious issues such as mental health, self-harm and difficult relationships. Counsellors also answered more than 100 phone calls a day from children struggling with bullying, relationships and self-harm.

The helpline is there for people like 13-year-old Casey* who dialled 0800 What’s Up late one night after her mum got really drunk and threw a knife at her – which luckily missed. After checking Casey wasn’t injured, What’s Up Counsellor Emma checked if it would be okay with her to make a conference call to the police and stayed on the phone until she heard the police arrive and knew Casey was safe.

The Warehouse GM Community & Environment Paul Walsh says The Warehouse is pleased to get behind 0800 What’s Up, as the helpline is a fantastic service for children in need throughout New Zealand.

“The Warehouse is committed to supporting families and young people so it’s great that our customers have generously donated towards the work 0800 What’s Up does within our community.”

Ends

© Scoop Media