Domino’s stores across New Zealand (excluding Auckland) are raising some ‘dough’ to help fund Youthline’s vital Helpline service, with $1 from every pizza sold between 4pm-9pm this Thursday 16 September donated to the charity.
In the weeks since the latest lockdown began, Youthline has seen the highest number of young people reaching out through text to their Helpline for the year to date, these last two weeks have set the record for the highest number of texts to the Helpline for the year. With COVID lockdowns, Alert Level changes and continued uncertainty, Youthline needs our support now more than ever.
Despite not being able to operate for several weeks, Domino’s store owners are determined to run this year’s annual Doughraiser as planned.
“This year has been tough on all of us, and I think we all recognise that these pressures have affected our mental health. Despite being unable to trade during lockdown, our local store owners are determined to help now that they have been able to re-open,” NZ General Manager Cameron Toomey said.
“Our teams are made up of a large proportion of young people, so Youthline is close to the hearts of everyone in the Domino’s family. We understand the importance of their work in supporting young people, their families, and whanau.”
With the continued increase in demand, support for Youthline’s Helpline service is crucial in ensuring young people have a safe place to turn for support.
“COVID-19 has highlighted our Helpline funding gap. The donations we receive from organisations like Domino’s are essential. Without them, we simply wouldn’t be in a position to engage with the more than 243,760 contacts to our Helpline and the thousands of individual young people we work with every year,” commented Shae Ronald, Youthline CEO.
“Domino’s is helping us to close the gap in the funds we need to continue to provide our National Helpline Service free to all young people and their families, around the country.”
In the past 12 months, Domino’s has donated more than $36,000 to Youthline, and since the partnership began in 2015, it has provided approximately $390,000 in support.
“Domino’s is focused on supporting our local communities and the partnership with Youthline is extremely important to us,” continued Toomey.
“We know how critical their work in the community is and we are privileged to be able to help support them. The Doughraiser on Thursday is a great excuse for Kiwi’s across the country to have their own pizza party and support a great cause at the same time.
“Although our Auckland stores can’t participate at this time, they are looking forward to raising some dough for Youthline later in the year, once the region is no longer in lockdown.”
This year’s Doughraiser will run on Thursday 16 September between the hours of 4pm-9pm, with $1 from each pizza sold during this time donated to Youthline. To donate directly, simple text ‘DONATE’ to 234.
If you or someone you know requires Youthline’s services, please make a free call on 0800 376 633 or place a free text on 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz, or Webchat at youthline.co.nz/web-chat
