A fund for health and wellbeing of Wellington youth

Creating a platform for youth success.

Barbara Blake has lived in Wellington most of her life and grew up with parents who left a legacy of giving back to their community. Their generosity inspired Barbara to want to make a difference, and five years ago, she partnered with Nikau Foundation to set up a Fund to ensure she could give back to her community in a strategic and meaningful way. 

 Barbara initially approached Nikau Foundation for assistance when she was struggling with a decision on which community groups to support. “To those who want to make a difference but aren’t sure where to donate Nikau Foundation can help you to direct your funds to community organisations doing great work in your areas of interest,” says Barbara, “they’re deeply rooted in the community and are aware of where the biggest opportunities for philanthropic giving lie.”

The Blake Fund supports organisations that contribute to the health and well-being of young people, with an emphasis on young women (15-25), Māori, Pacific Island, migrants, refugees and the rainbow communities.

 "As a mother, I know that teenagers can be a bit tricky and can sometimes seem hard to reach. However, I also know that with some perseverance, guidance and a firm push in the right direction at critical moments, young people will flourish and exceed all our expectations. They will make us proud and they will be proud of themselves,” says Barbara

 Barbara says her daughter is excited and very supportive of the fund and the positive effects it will have on Wellington’s youth and particularly disadvantaged youth.

 Over the past five years, the Fund has made a significant difference to the lives of young people and has supported organisations such as InsideOut; a Wellington-based organisation advocating for our rainbow youth Te Ara Moana; a hands-on sailing programme to build resilience and confidence for youth in Porirua, and Billy Graham’s Boxing Academy; a Naenae-based sporting initiative focused on promoting health and wellbeing.

To find out more about Nikau Foundation Forever Funds, click here.