Taking positive strides with local charity Walk with Us

Local charity Walk with Us has received a welcome boost of $5000 from local banking institution NBS that will be used to support their goal of providing school and sports shoes to children in need aged between 5 & 13.

Walk with Us was established in 2013 by nine Nelson-Tasman women who wanted to contribute to the community in a targeted and specific way.

“Through conversations with principals and teachers in local schools, we saw that there is a very real need in the community. Providing school and sports footwear to school children fitted well with our aspirations.” says trustee, Jenny Bates.

To date the charity has funded over 600 pairs of shoes to children across the region, but Walk with Us know that there is still work to be done to support local whānau.

The charity rely heavily on donations from individuals and sponsors and by organising fundraising events. Like many other community groups, recent fundraising efforts have been curtailed by COVID-19.

Jenny says “We had to postpone a fundraising auction at the end of last year, so sponsorship from NBS is very welcome at a time when it is becoming increasingly challenging for struggling families to provide these important items for their children.”

NBS CEO Tony Cadigan is proud that NBS can support the great work of the charity and says “One of our key aims is to make a difference in our local community and we can see the positive impact that Walk with Us make by providing shoes to kids who really need them.”

Walk with Us are currently planning their next fundraising event and invite the community to support their work by donating via their website.

Pictured: Tony Cadigan, CEO NBS with Wyatt Crockett, owner of Stirling Sports and Walk with Us trustee Jenny Bates.

Photo credit: Sara Hollyman, Nelson Weekly