Givealittle page launched for Mr G's Million Dollar Gumboot

A Givealittle page has been launched for Pāpāmoa artist Mr G's Million Dollar Gumboot campaign.

Mr G - also known as Graham Hoete - hoped to raise $1m from the sale of his carved gumboot artwork for Mike King's I AM HOPE mental health awareness charity and its Gumboot Friday campaign to give kids free counselling.

The kauri boot will be auctioned live on television on April 5, Gumboot Friday.

Mr G - Graham Hoete - with the Kauri Kamuputu, Million Dollar Gumboot. Photo / George Novak

Hoete, who was inspired in part by his own mental health struggle, said the public reaction to his idea had been so great he wanted a way for ordinary people to contribute.

He said he loved the idea of New Zealand buying the boot, rather than one wealthy person or company.

The Kauri Kamuputu - Million Dollar Gumboot is on display at the Tauranga Art Gallery.

Donations can be made at https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/million-dollar-gumboot.