Variety – the Children’s Charity
During my varied career, I have worked as a child therapist and counsellor. I care deeply about children (and women) in jeopardy, and people suffering from mental illness and homelessness. Every day, 1 in 5 Kiwi kids go without the basics that most of us take for granted—including a bed or safe roof over their head. This has a profound effect on their mental, emotional and physical health, education and well-being. New Zealand has amongst the highest youth suicide rate in the world. A Unicef report found New Zealand’s youth suicide rate – teenagers between 15 and 19 – to be the highest of a long list of 41 OECD and EU countries. The rate of 15.6 suicides per 100,000 people is twice as high as the US rate and almost five times that of Britain. That’s an appalling statistic and one no Government should be proud of claiming. Bullying, poverty, family violence and other factors play a role.
I am committed to supporting organisations that provide practical, hands-on help. Variety is my chosen charity to support, so children in need have the same opportunities as other kids to experience a happier, healthier childhood and build a foundation for a better future.
Women’s Refuge
@womensrefugenz is also my chosen charity to donate proceeds from my books sales. You may like to know that reading my books and listening to the audio versions helps empower a victim of family violence by offering a safe, supportive place to stay.
I have known from an early age what it is to feel terrorized in your own home by people whose love ignites into hatred, aggression and violence. I know how it feels to have to flee, to seek safe refuge in a strange house, to no longer have a home. And I know, the strength kindness, caring and compassion can bring—and the power of beautiful stories to help us transcend our pain.