WALKING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

Here at the Waitakere Volunteer Fire Brigade, we get called to many extremely traumatic incidents. Whilst we have an amazing support network within the Brigade and external support services, there are times when each one of us feels the effects of these incidents and also the influences of friends, family and colleagues - and we may or may not want to talk about it.

At every minute of every day there will be someone in our community who is struggling with mental health.

We’d like to help raise awareness and encourage our friends, family and community to ‘check in on your mates’.

Our Firefighters, along with our friends from neighbouring Brigades at Bethells and Kumeu will be up early on August 6th to start a 12 hour walking relay around the Waitakere Township to raise funds for Gumboot Friday and we invite you to grab your gumboots and join us for any part of the day, walk alongside us or join in the fundraising activities at the station.

Grab some chalk and write your messages of support on the footpath outside your house or down at the forecourt of the Waitakere Volunteer Fire Station at 10 Township Road, Waitakere Township. Decorate your gumboots, buy a raffle ticket, support the sausage sizzle, give a koha (donation) or just come for a korero (chat) with your community.

For more information please contact Graham McIntyre, Chief Fire Officer, Waitakere Volunteer Fire Brigade, phone 0276320421 or email graham.mcintyre@fireandemergency.nz