Through a philanthropic collaboration, the #VAX VEGAS campaign has had a funding boost to support local rangatahi to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
The campaign, which is led by Te Arawa COVID-19 Response Hub and a team of Te Arawa communications people is supported by a number of local and national organisations including Rotorua Trust. Its goal is to encourage local rangatahi to get vaccinated.
The philanthropic organisations collaborating to support this kaupapa are Rotorua Trust ($15,000), Tindall Foundation ($10,000) Todd Foundation ($10,000) and BayTrust ($10,000). Westpac has also provided $15,000.
The campaign aims to reach rangatahi through a range of platforms including social media, and events, as the age group is particularly vulnerable to misinformation.
Te Arawa Covid Hub Co-Ordinator Karen Vercoe says the funding will help to reach local rangatahi who have been misinformed or are vaccine hesitant.
“Our biggest priority right now is getting as many people as possible vaccinated. COVID is coming to our community and we need to protect our vulnerable whānau. We want to support our rangatahi to get vaccinated. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, but getting vaccinated will literally save the lives of you and your loved ones.”
Vercoe says rangatahi are a critical group to reach if we are to protect our wider community.
“We are grateful to these organisations for helping to support this kaupapa in our race to protect all whānau.”
Rotorua Trust Chairman Stewart Edward says when organisations come together, we can achieve greater outcomes for our community.
“It’s fantastic when we can work with other philanthropic organisations and a leading financial institution to bring our funding together and make a big difference to our community.”