200 plus in Hear4U Taupo fundraiser

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Following their successful Kia Kaha Tairāwhiti event Hear4U hopes to have 250 people on the start line in the Taupo Half Marathon early next month.

The group has established a Givealittle page as a fundraiser for the organisation.

“We have had an overwhelming response, and it is obvious that our community needs much support and awareness to recover from a very difficult few years,” said Hear4U’s Krissy Mackintosh.

“Through promotion, intervention, and celebration, we are  always,  Hear4U.”

The Taupo event is on August 5.

“The funds raised from this project will be invested in the upgrade of our Gisborne headquarters,” she said.

Post Cyclone Gabrielle, Hear4U has raised $15,000 for team uniforms and $8000 for other expenses to ensure the annual Taupo Half Marathon project could still go ahead.

Around 80 percent of the Hear4U participants at Taupo will be from Tairāwhiti, the rest from around the country.

“We feel an event like the Taupo Half Marathon is an opportunity to reconnect our communities, and break the barriers and divides between industries, urban and rural, and cultures.

“Also, it serves to educate and enrich the overall wellbeing of all those involved.”

Hear4U promotes suicide prevention and community wellness.

“The purpose of this event is to break the stigma around men’s mental health, in Tairāwhiti and throughout New Zealand — which has endured really hard times, due to Cyclone Gabrielle, and Covid.

“The Taupo weekend also is a healing pathway for those who have lost loved ones to suicide or are struggling with mental health challenges.”

Each participant will be doing distances from anywhere between 5km and 42km.

Billie Mae Mackintosh, aged 12, will be running the 21km for the third year, with the aim of fundraising for Pine Hollow Riding School.

“The flow-on effect from the project has meant that many previous participants have embarked on bigger adventure races, and made significant positive lifestyle choices,” Ms Mackintosh said.

“Hear4U is covering entry, petrol, and accommodation costs for five whānau who have been significantly impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.

“Our charity would love to thank everyone who is supporting and sponsoring us.”

The Givealittle site is called #HEAR4U - Taupo Half Marathon Project.