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The Aunties

Saturday 22/09/2018

Jackie Clark, known to many as “Whaea Jackie” was recently nominated for the Community and Not-for-profit category of the 2018 NZ Women of Influence awards. She took out not only her category, but was awarded supreme winner overall. She is NZ’s 2018 Woman of Influence. She is also a straight-talker, ever-present on social media, and a relentless force of no-nonsense kindness.

The award recognises the wonderful and tireless work that Jackie has done, and is doing, to establish and run ‘The Aunties’. The purpose of the grassroots organisation is to support victims of domestic violence and the kaupapa is “meeting needs with love”. The women and children that Jackie works with come from all walks of life. Whether or not their encounter with The Aunties is one-off or on-going is up to them – if they’re in need, they will be supported. And “needs” can vary greatly – it may be a roof over their head, clean clothing, or a maths tutor for their child. It may be help with the groceries or some new furniture. It may be a hug. Jackie spends her days meeting with these women, asking them what they need, then moving mountains to get it. That means working with a core group of “aunties”, social media contacts, supportive organisations, and anyone who genuinely wants to help.  

So… wanna help?

You can find out everything you need to know about The Aunties, including how you can offer some love, at theaunties.co.nz 

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