The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Covid-19 has certainly been a challenge for many charities, businesses and families across New Zealand. I’m proud of my response when the pandemic hit. I realised I needed to keep our supporters informed about the situation in Latin America by immediately launching a Covid-19 appeal. This allowed us to meet the losses that we experienced in 2020 due to event cancellations.
Another challenge was visiting NPH Peru with my son Cristiano when he was just 7 months old. My husband is from Peru so we decided to visit his family in 2019. During our stay in Peru, we decided to visit the NPH children’s home, two hours south of Lima. It was so great to visit the children there and introduce them to our baby. As a new mother, it really struck me just how difficult the situation is in Latin America for many children and families. It really broke my heart in a way that I didn’t think was possible. Fortunately, this experience also gave me renewed energy to continue the work that I do.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running a charity?
I love running NPH New Zealand because it’s so rewarding to see the progress of the kids and how they go on to make a difference. In the photo below you can see Dr. Dora Berrios who grew up at our children’s home in Honduras. We supported her through university and she is now helping the children through our clinic – such an important role during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Running a charity is a big responsibility and involves a lot of time and dedication. It can be hard to juggle my responsibilities to my NPH family and my own family.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I’m really looking forward to life after Covid. Covid-19 has had a massive impact on Latin America and it will continue to do so for the next few years.
My biggest hope is that more New Zealanders can reach out and help these children. Sponsoring a child is the best way you can help transform a child’s life, from just $40 per month.
If your heart calls you to help sick children, you can support our Paediatric Hospital as a ‘Lifesaver‘ from just $15 per month.
For more information and details on how to support this wonderful charity, visit the NPH New Zealand website. You can also join their online communities on Facebook and Instagram.
