What's Happening at Lifeline - Lifeline Auckland


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What's Happening at Lifeline?
John Kirwan Visits Lifeline
Out came the mirrors and hairbrushes when John Kirwan dropped into Lifeline to see how the sharp end of The National Depression Line or NDI as we call it, operates on a daily basis. The former All Black was in New Zealand filming the next round of advertisements for the NDI and it was a small but very appreciative gathering that made the most of his hour long visit. John is currently the coach of the Japanese National Rugby Team and speaks fluent Japanese which enables him to coach the team more efficiently. He also speaks Italian as his wife is Italian and together they have three children. John was an All Black from 1984 to 1994 and scored 67 tries in all matches for the All Blacks which is still a current record. In June 2007 he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to mental health awareness and in 1989 he was awarded an OBE for his rugby career.	Left to right: JK, Debbie & Yvonne
The tall, talented Kirwan was a friendly, genuine presence at Lifeline and he listened intently to presentations by Anil Thapliyal, Lifeline’s General Manager and Dylan Norton, Manager of The Lowdown service. Members of the NDI team showed John their workstations and gave him an overview of how the line operates. John obligingly signed numerous Depression posters as well as copies of his book which coincidentally was published by the husband of NDI Counsellor, Anna Bateman. He chatted and charmed the crowd who thoroughly enjoyed his visit. John spoke briefly and from the heart about his reasons for supporting depression – he gives his time free of charge to the initiative which is incredibly generous given the “cost” of a man with his talent and experience. He complimented the NDI team for their work and acknowledged the many contributions made by people and organisations in raising depression and mental health awareness throughout New Zealand. As it happened John’s visit coincided with the NDI and Lowdown’s mid winter xmas party – if you can’t have Father Christmas to dinner, what a great substitute John Kirwan was! By Annie Bradshaw _________________________________________________________________________________________________	Left to right Brenda, JK & Krys
A Novel Fundraiser Just over two years ago Michael Green wrote a novel titled “The Crucial Gene” and dedicated the profit from book sales to Lifeline Auckland. A most generous and innovative gift to us. Lifeline Auckland benefited by a sum in excess of $10,000 and of course the exposure we gained by attending functions with him promoting Lifeline. Michael has since penned a sequel titled “Blood Bond” published by Random House to launched on Sunday 13th September and has offered to make a $10 donation to Lifeline Auckland for every book sold at the function – or ordered prior to 29th September. Lifeline supporters are also invited to Michael's book launch at Gulf Harbour (email Sarah or call her on 09 909 8750 for details) “The Crucial Gene” centred on a family, one branch living in New Zealand and a second branch living in the United Kingdom surviving a pandemic. The sequel addresses the question “can they survive each other”? First up thanks to Michael for his generosity and continuing support for what we do at Lifeline and secondly if you are looking for a gift for someone, or something for yourself, order a book knowing you are also supporting Lifeline. All copies of "Blood Bond" sold by Lifeline before 29th September will result in a $10 donation to Lifeline. Books cost just $36.99 each. Read what people are saying about the book or to order your copy click here or email Sarah or call her on 09 909 8750 for details of paying by credit card)
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Spring Clean for Lifeline With spring fast approaching now is the time to dig out those unwanted Christmas or birthday gifts that you have received from friends or family with the best of intentions but that you just don't need or have no use for... Whether it's toiletries that you won't use, candles, aromatherapy items, food treats, chocolates, jewellery, glassware or other any other gift type item at all...if it is new and unused Lifeline would love to receive it! We will put your items to good use creating raffle baskets and hampers as part of our fundraising program - even the smallest item will be useful to us and will help with our efforts to raise much needed funds to keep our services to the community going...... Please call Sarah on 09 909 8757 or email her at Lifeline to arrange delivery or bring the items in next time you are passing Lifeline and leave on reception... Thanks for your help - even the smallest item could make a big difference to Lifeline