Emily's Journey

Hi guys,

I've begun my MMA challenge and journey to become the ultimate Alta Warrior, with Upside in mind to support and raise money for young people to go on their own mentoring journey.

Throughout this programme I am getting up for 5:15am training Monday-Friday. At the end of the training course, there is an option to do an amateur MMA match. Something I never thought I’d do in my life and there’s no better way to absolutely commit myself to it than to do it in support of Upside. Self-defense is a really good life skill that I’ve always wanted to learn and I thought it would be a great thing to role model back to my young person. 

As many will know Upside Youth Mentoring is an organisation very dear to me. This programme pairs young people with adverse childhood experiences with mentors (volunteers) who hang out with them every week. The aim is to help kids with hard backgrounds ‘feel a little brighter and more loved than they did yesterday’. 

My young person Laumanu and I have been together for over a year now and have formed a bond for life. I will continue to support her and her family always. As a professional in the mental health space, I can honestly say this is one of the best mental health care systems we can invest in for young people and our future. 

In addition, I just want to say mentoring is one of the most meaningful and rewarding things I have ever done. Please support an amazing cause by becoming a mentor or ofc follow the link above to donate :)

Emily  xx

Upside Youth Mentoring Aotearoa is a registered charity with the NZ Charities Register (CC24572).
Donations of $5 or more are tax deductible and a receipt will be emailed to you.