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Mike King's mental health fundraiser Gumboot Friday pulls in close to $1 million

April 10, 2019

Ambassador and New Zealander of the Year Mike King says it should be normalised to have – and deal with – problems. (Source: Other)

Nearly $1 million was raised to help children with mental health issues on Friday as people throughout New Zealand donned gumboots for the nationwide fundraiser.

Mental health advocate and New Zealander of the Year Mike King organised the inaugural event, called Gumboot Friday, asking Kiwis to donate to the cause.

Today, he announced on Twitter that $917,632 was raised as a result.

Mr King, who has worked extensively in the mental health sector, says it should be normalised for people to have problems and to work through them.

King has been recognised for his work in the mental health area and today spoke to TVNZ1’s Breakfast. (Source: Other)

No longer ‘the bridesmaid’, mental health advocate Mr King joked with media about being in the semi-finals five times. (Source: Other)

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