“Give me the sorrows of the world. I will transform it into hope.”
~ Pablo Neruda.
I know how comforting a beautiful soul-inspired painting or love-infused book can be. This is why both my chosen charities, Variety – the Children’s Charity and Women’s Refuge are close to my heart.
Variety – the Children’s Charity
During my varied career, I have worked as a child therapist and counsellor. I care deeply about children (and women) in jeopardy, and people suffering from mental illness and homelessness. Every day, 1 in 5 Kiwi kids go without the basics that most of us take for granted—including a bed or safe roof over their head. This has a profound effect on their mental, emotional and physical health, education and well-being. New Zealand has amongst the highest youth suicide rate in the world. A Unicef report found New Zealand’s youth suicide rate – teenagers between 15 and 19 – to be the highest of a long list of 41 OECD and EU countries. The rate of 15.6 suicides per 100,000 people is twice as high as the US rate and almost five times that of Britain. That’s an appalling statistic and one no Government should be proud of claiming. Bullying, poverty, family violence and other factors play a role.
I am committed to supporting organisations that provide practical, hands-on help. Variety is my chosen charity to support, so children in need have the same opportunities as other kids to experience a happier, healthier childhood and build a foundation for a better future.
Women’s Refuge
@womensrefugenz is my chosen charity to donate to for people who purchase my paintings or join my creativity workshops. You may like to know that each painting sold or enrolment made helps empower a victim of family violence by offering a safe, supportive place to stay.
I have known from an early age what it is to feel terrorized in your own home by people whose love ignites into hatred, aggression and violence. I know how it feels to have to flee, to seek safe refuge in a strange house, to no longer have a home. And I know, the strength kindness, caring and compassion can bring—and the power of beauty to help us transcend our pain.
Thank you to all my collectors and people who have taken my art workshops for helping me support this vital cause. Together we help make a difference.
Hospice New Zealand
I have also donated and will continue to, pieces to Hospice New Zealand. I remember what a bright light Hospice was offering respite care to my stepfather during his last months. I’ve also created bespoke works in memory of loved ones who have been lost to cancer.
Artworks like Love Story. The short brief for this commission was compelling…”I would love to commission you to conjure up an exquisite piece of art…Love all the vibrant memories my special lady brings. Love, sea, sand, salt and pohutukawas.”
I was super excited when celebrity chef Jo Seagar visited my gallery in the Bay of Islands and became the new owner of this love-inspired work. The constant love story in Jo’s life has been her work for Hospice New Zealand. For over 25 years, as their ambassador and Patron, she has been raising funds and public awareness of their very important work.
And I have also given away artworks that touched people soul’s. Paintings like Te Ataroa
Te Ataroa was inspired by and named after a beautiful baby who was only three months old when I saw her while she was with her mum shopping for groceries. The young couple had lost a little girl who, a year earlier, was stillborn. Their new daughter Te Ataroa was a blessing. Translated her name means “the long morning”.As I painted the artwork I imagined Te Ataroa’s sister shining down from heaven, sending her family endless kisses across the morning sky.
