Mike King, Tai Tupou and Richie Barnett are gearing up to embark on a nationwide tour to inspire youth, and will be in Tauranga on Thursday.

The Gumboot Army Activation Tour will see mental health advocate and I Am Hope founder Mike King, lead I Am Hope ambassador Tai Tupou and I Am Hope's recently appointed kaiārahi, former league star and mentor Richie Barnett, travel the length of the country from Dunedin through to Waitakere, meeting with sponsors, volunteers and most importantly, members of the community from all walks of life.

'We're meeting with the people who make up the backbone of who we are as a charity and what we do. The real heroes of our story,” says Mike.

'Since 2021, New Zealand has donated $3.3 million for free kids counselling sessions. The money comes from people in the community who've been touched first hand by mental health and suicide. It also comes from businesses who can no longer sit by and watch our rangatahi suffer.

'So, we're going back to our communities and saying you did an incredible job last year and we will never be able to thank you enough. We need you do it again this year, because our kids are still dying.

'While the bureaucrats are busy arguing amongst themselves and mudslinging for political point scoring, we need to get up and do something about it because if nothing changes, then nothing changes.

'Thank you New Zealand, for having our kids' backs.”

Since its launch three years ago, Gumboot Friday has spent more than $2.8 million on 20,481 free counselling sessions for 9376 kiwi kids.

This year, the aim is to provide more than 30,000 free counselling sessions by achieving the $5 million goal.

Gumboot Friday: November 4, 2022

Website: www.gumbootfriday.org.nz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gumbootupNZ

Instagram: @gumbootfriday

Tour public appearance times and venues: