A Beacon of Safety
The installation of a life-saving defibrillator at Kohimarama Beach marks a significant milestone in our mission to promote community health and safety. This initiative, born from a casual conversation among beach enthusiasts, has blossomed into a symbol of security for a community deeply rooted in family values.
The idea took root amidst the laughter and camaraderie of the Kohi Kippers, a group of dedicated swimmers who find solace and joy in the embrace of the ocean every Saturday morning. Leeann, our Cheekee Hero Charity Privacy Officer and a proud Kohi Kipper, brought this vision to life. It was their shared love for the sea and a desire to enhance the safety of their beach haven that sparked the genesis of this life-saving project.
At Cheekee Hero Charity, our purpose is to celebrate, support, and raise awareness for tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau facing neurodiversity, disabilities, and illnesses. We recognise the vital role the beach plays in the lives of our community members, providing not just recreation but also therapeutic benefits for physical and mental well-being.
The ocean has long been acknowledged for its healing properties, and this defibrillator serves as an additional layer of protection, ensuring that our beachgoers have access to immediate assistance in case of emergencies. This initiative is a testament to the power of community collaboration, bringing together diverse groups like the Kohi Kippers, High Tiders, Fish Fingers, the Local East Bays Community, Ngāti Pāoa and the Cheekee Hero Charity community as a whole.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Ōrākei Local Board and Auckland Council for their unwavering support in making this project a reality. Their commitment to community welfare aligns seamlessly with our mission, and together we have created a beacon of safety that will benefit generations to come.
We thank all those who were part of this journey, from the initial conversation to the realisation of a shared dream. The dialogue sparked by the Kohi Kippers has now become a resounding call for community well-being, echoing through the sands of Kohimarama Beach.