Please support Sam and our SibSupport NZ® programme! Sam has been involved with the programme for many years, initially attending as a youth, then training and volunteering as a SibLeader. Sam is currently hiking the 3058 km NZ Te Araroa trail to raise funds in support of our programme.
Some more about why Sam wants to raise money for SibSupport NZ®:
My story is like many others, I grew up in a typical tight knit family with Mum, Dad, me and my brother. The one difference is that my brother is Autistic with a severe intellectual disability. I like to think of it more as a different way of interpreting the world. Growing up with my brother definitely had its challenges, from spontaneously setting off fire alarms to multiple broken windows. He always kept my parents and me on our toes! However, there have been some truly special moments, such as when he gained independence by moving into his own assisted living place.
Throughout all of this, we have been so fortunate to have the support of the Parent to Parent charity, which I hope to raise money to support. They help parents with children with disabilities and neurodiversity with resources, support and programmes.
My personal connection to Parent to Parent is through their SibSupport programme. This programme brings siblings together for facilitated day workshops, games and structured conversations around life with a sometimes challenging sibling. The goal is to offer support from others with lived experience. I work as a volunteer, serving as both a SibLeader and a Volunteer Facilitator for these programmes.
In his most recent update, on 11 November, Sam reports that he has just reached a camping spot south of Russell. Over the past week or so, he has covered two forests, done some kayaking, and lots of road walking. He is now heading off along some more roads and then some coast. Not surprisingly, given how friendly Sam is, he’s made a bit of a trail family with folks he and his trail partner have met on the way! He would like to thank everyone again for all the donations so far.
He’s already so close to his goal! Let’s help him surpass it! Please consider following his journey and donating via Sam’s givealittle page
