For those wondering why their family and friends are using a Kiwibank, I AM HOPE Facebook frame — it's all for a heartwarming reason and a good cause.
After naming mental health advocate Mike King the Kiwibank 2019 New Zealander of the Year, the bank has started a Facebook campaign to raise money for his charity.
The Gumboot UP NZ initiative, working alongside Mike King's I AM HOPE charity, aims to help young Kiwis get free counselling.
On the Kiwibank Facebook page, they have shared a post saying that for everyone who adds the I AM HOPE frame on their profile photo they will donate $1 to the Gumboot Friday account.
Kiwis who want to add the frame their profile photo, just click on the Facebook post above and it has a "try it" button for users to push.
The idea has since gone viral, with the campaign raising at least $21,000 since Monday.
"The response has blown us away. We were hoping it would reach 20,000 people but we've already passed the 21,000 mark! It's clear this is resonating strongly and something Kiwis really care about, Kiwibank's Brand Manager Kim Waghorn said.
"Based on the overwhelming response, Kiwibank is committing up to $50,000 towards the cause."
Kiwbank CEO Steve Jurkovich agreed saying: "It is great to see New Zealand recognising what an important issue this. Every gesture counts."
King was excited to see that Kiwibank was pushing to raise more money and has asked Kiwis to jump on board.
"When Kiwibank came to me and said they would donate up to $20,000 if Kiwis used the frame I was stoked. It was beyond what I thought was possible," King said.
"Now they've said they'll go up to $50,000, well that's beyond what I hoped for. This is an amazing initiative – come on New Zealand, get behind it."
I AM HOPE has also asked Kiwis to share awareness by wearing gumboots on April 5, for Gumboot Friday.
"Having depression is like walking through mud every day. So on Friday 5 April 2019, we're asking you to show your support. Put your gumboots on, give a gold coin, and take a walk in their shoes for a just one day," the I AM HOPE website says.
"It's a fun way for kiwis to join in the mental health conversation, while raising money to provide FREE and timely counselling for any kid in need."
I AM HOPE explained that 100 per cent of the donations would go to the kids.
"All donations are deposited by you into the Kiwibank Gumboot Friday account. The money will then go directly to the registered health professional upon receipt of an invoice to Mike King's #gumbootupnz fund.
"Last year in NZ 137 young people died by suicide and it is estimated another 3500 attempted to take their own lives. While Government agencies are doing their best some kids are stuck waiting up to six months to receive the counselling they so urgently need."
If your are wanting to donate to the Gumboot Friday Fund via the Key to Life Trust Give-a-little Page.
For more information visit: www.iamhope.org.nz
WHERE TO GET HELP:
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else's in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
OR IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ELSE:
• LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 or 09 5222 999 within Auckland (available 24/7)
• SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633 ,free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nzor online chat.
• NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)
• KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757
• SAMARITANS – 0800 726 666.