Lifeline Waikato set up fundraising page

Lifeline Waikato have set a goal of raising $5,000 by March

Lifeline Waikato, which handles thousands of calls from people in need every year, has set up a fundraising page to collect  $5000 by March.

The organisation is short of certified counsellors and all proceeds will go to training new volunteers for telephone counselling, face to face counselling, and keeping the free service running.

Volunteer councillor Campbell Patterson showing the fundraising page.
Volunteer counsellor Campbell Patterson showing the fundraising page. Photo: Nikita Oliver.

Volunteer counsellor Campbell Patterson said the volunteer page will make it easier for Lifeline Waikato to help others.

“It helps us be a better service to the public. I have been through depression, I have been through a lot in my life and I believe that everyone should have someone to talk to.”

The call centre takes about 6000 calls a year.

There are about 60 qualified volunteers  and  it costs $1500 to  certify a  telephone counsellor.

Lifeline Waikato needs 75 certified volunteers to have the service running effectively, 24 hours, seven  days a week.

Marketing and Communication coordinator Jarel Phillips said that it is obvious people need a space for someone to listen.

“I think it is a good space for the community to invest in because of the services we provide to the community.”

On February 15, Lifeline Waikato will be holding a charity golf tournament.

To enter a team of four it costs $140 and to sponsor a hole is $300.

They will have donated prizes to give away on the day.

To make a donation visit http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/LifeLineWaikato/ and you can find out more about Lifelife Waikato here.