"Pretty much every kid I saw was in tears. Whether it was a small amount of tears, or a large amount of tears - pretty much everyone there was crying and I thought 'some people really mean a lot to a lot of people'."
After the funeral, Finn said he thought if he raised a good amount of money in the 40-hour famine, he'd split it between World Vision and the Mental Health Foundation.
In total, the King's School pupil raised more than $1000, by getting sponsored to do 1000 karate kicks.
In July he presented the foundation with a cheque for $580.
"We were very touched and grateful to receive Finn's generous donation," the Mental Health Foundation's Judi Clements said.
Finn Matheson. Photo / Janna Dixon
"The world could use a few more people with hearts as big as Finn's."
The young martial arts prodigy said he hoped people would see the importance of the foundation and help in any way they could this week.
"They not only help people that are feeling sad and want to commit suicide, but they also want to prevent the thought altogether," he said.
"They want to help people going through the grief of having a friend or family member committing suicide."
Finn said Kiwis should keep an eye out for people collecting for the foundation, or volunteer to help out.
Where to get help
Lifeline: (09) 5222 999 Auckland, 0800 543 354 (rest of NZ)
The Low Down: thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626 and deal with depression.
National Depression Initiative: 0800 111 757, depression.org.nz
What's Up: For 5-18 year olds, 0800 942 8787.
