Lola the Corolla joins the Youthline Auckland Team

Youthline Auckland has welcomed a shiny new addition to the team to help the youth of NZ on their journeys.

A 2013 Toyota Corolla has now been handed over to Youthline, courtesy of Toyota’s 25 Ways To Say Thanks competition.

Youthline Auckland CEO, Stephen Bell gratefully accepted the keys while Youthline’s Youth Workers and staff performed the song ‘Lean on me’

Following a ‘Name that Car’ competition, the Corolla, which will be used by Youthline for the next three years has officially been dubbed…Lola– Te Waka O Nga Moemoea, The Vehicle of Dreams.

“Lola will have an immediate impact on the lives of many young people. Our Youth Workers will be able to provide a mobile service delivery, directly engaging young people one on one in mentoring, skill development and support services,” said Bell.

Youth Work Team Leader Peniel Fa'amausili said Lola will be invaluable to the young people his team work with, helping them to build strong and effective relationships.

“One of our Youth Workers was recently put in contact with Beth* a young single mother who left school in 2009 with no formal qualifications. Together they looked at options for education, training and work. Initially Beth was unmotivated and uninterested in any options and against making decisions because of her need to care for her son. The Youth Worker was able to work with engaging Beth in the idea of going to a teen parent unit,” explains Peniel.

Months later Beth is enrolled in a study programme; whilst her son is able to interact with other children at day-care.

“By having a vehicle our Youth Worker was able to reach Beth and her son, helping them to begin their journey together along a road that will lead to Beth’s future success – having Lola will ensure Youthline have more great stories like this to share.”

CEO of Giltrap City Toyota, Graham McMullan said “It was an absolute pleasure on behalf of Toyota New Zealand to hand over the keys to such a deserving charity. The support that Youthline give to young people & families in our community benefits everyone. I know that Youthline will make the most of this opportunity and help those in need.”

The first official outing for Lola will be on May 4th, to mark the start of Youth Week ‘Live like a Legend’ when Youthline will be holding their annual street appeal, so keep an eye out!

ENDS

Youth Help:

Ph: 0800 37 66 33

Free Txt: 234

*name changed

Thanks to the generosity of Toyota the new car will have a significant impact to the one on one support given to young people by our Youth Workers as they encourage young people to reach their potential.

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