Cold Kids Campaign- Another Remarkable Community Response

Author Kate Murray, General Manager

As winter comes to an end, we're reflecting on the impact of this year's Cold Kids Campaign and the difference it has made for local families.

Since May, Community Link's Wellbeing Connectors have worked alongside 189 people, many of them more than once, helping families, parents, caregivers and young people facing significant hardship. The people reaching out for support come from all walks of life. Many have built successful careers, run businesses, raised families and contributed greatly to our community. Yet illness, injury, relationship breakdowns, caring responsibilities and the rising cost of living can gradually erode even the strongest foundations.

This winter, one of the most common challenges has been keeping homes warm.

While many people in our district live in warm, modern homes, others are living in cold, damp rentals with limited heating. We've supported local families with heating costs, electricity bills and firewood while hearing stories of people carefully rationing heat, limiting travel to save fuel and doing whatever they could to get through the colder months. Some families told us they were collecting branches from the roadside to supplement their firewood supply, while others were carefully weighing up whether they could afford to turn on a heat pump or make an extra trip into town. These are the kinds of decisions many local households have faced this winter.

The response from the Upper Clutha community has been remarkable.

Since April, the Cold Kids Campaign has raised more than $120,000, allowing practical support to reach local people when they needed it most. Businesses across the district backed the campaign through donation matching, fundraising initiatives and in-store promotions that helped provide pyjamas, blankets, hot water bottles and other winter essentials.

The campaign was strengthened through partnerships with the Hāwea Community Association, Lions members who cut and delivered firewood, and the Cucumber Sandwich Club, whose members continue to support local wellbeing initiatives.

Last Thursday evening, we had the opportunity to thank many of the donors, volunteers and supporters who made the campaign possible. What struck us most was not simply the generosity shown, but the genuine desire people have to see everyone in our community doing well.

The Cold Kids Campaign has helped hundreds of local people through a difficult winter. Just as importantly, it reminded us that those facing hardship know they are not facing it alone.