Please help us fund our Sk8 it 4ward custodian sessions

Please Help Us Fund Our Sk8 It 4ward Custodian Sessions

Project 2023-02-13 14:02:28 +1300

How we began: Bella and Sienna, 12, are keen skateboarders and when they noticed that many of their peers at local skateparks they visited had no skate gear or supervision and they wanted to help. The children at the parks had no skateboards, scooters or even appropriate clothing or footwear.

The girls came up with an idea to approach their local town and started to get many donations. People offered their old gear, some even buying new things for us to give out. That first day we took a ute load of gear to our favourite park, Randwick in Manurewa, the children there could not have been happier! They were so excited to have gear to use and adults present to watch them try new tricks and accomplish new skills. 

It was so nice to see the park full of boys and girls skating, scootering and enjoying themselves. We have helped so many children, particularly those of the Maori and Pacifica communities, but there are still so many more that could benefit from being able to participate and become part of their skateboarding community.

Your pledges will help the girls hold more Sk8 it 4ward custodian sessions for communities in need. It will fund more gear, kai, supplies and custodians. 

What we know: Skateboarding provides children with many benefits, including being part of a community, making friends, developing life skills, having a focus and outlet they can be passionate about, as well as helping with mental health.

It teaches children perseverance and to not give up when trying to learn something new. It’s also great to be outdoors, away from screens, getting fresh air and learning new stunts and tricks they can be proud of achieving.

Skateboarding can really help with mindset, we can help children overcome many things through learning to skateboard. We currently provide limited custodian sessions at Waiuku to support the youth and help to keep the skatepark safe. We know we need more of this valuable programme.

It creates a safe space for children. When they know custodians are there they feel comfortable and secure and know they have someone to talk to if they need support. We provide kai as well and are currently planning to have a youth space for when the weather does not allow skateboarding. Bella and Sienna also help kids learn new skills during custodian hours and make a really fun atmosphere for the children and community. 

We want to help change skateboard parks into positive places to be. A place where we create a whanau that can come together and support each other.

The girls were recently chosen to be part of 'Good in the Hood', for those doing good in their communities through Z gas stations. The girls have also been interviewed several times for their efforts, on the Breeze fm, The Spin Off, Radio New Zealand, AUT magazine and Shorelines magazine. Bella and Sienna were also approached for an interview for TV on the Breakfast show to help promote the charity. We are so proud of them for taking these opportunities to spread the word. They are so passionate about their initiative to create safer skateparks and help those less fourtunate or those that just need someone to talk to!

For the future: The girls have so many more dreams and goals, including, regular community events, after-school and school holiday programmes and skate tours. Currently our main focus is to have more custodian hours at our localpark, and a much-needed youth centre for our town. As well as to continue to provide the gear needed for children to be involved in this awesome sport.

Bella and Sienna's dreams are big! We will continue to support them as much as we can! We appreciate any support to help our daughters continue their amazing community work and to help children in need. Thank you, Shontelle and Louise (Bella and Sienna's Mothers).

Facebook: Sk8 it 4ward

Instagram: sk8it_4ward

Web: www.sk8it4ward.org.nz

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