Gamblefree Day focuses on family

Gamblefree Day focuses on family

Family events and activities are happening all around the country leading up to Gamblefree Day, Saturday 1 September.

Tony Milne, Problem Gambling Foundation National Manager of Public Health, says Gamblefree Day is the major awareness-raising day for problem gambling in New Zealand.

“The impact of problem gambling shouldn't be underestimated,” he says.

“Each year in New Zealand an estimated 60,000 people with a gambling problem have a direct impact on the lives of 300,000 to 600,000 other people".

A series of free events take place around the country with Scribe, other artists and local finalists of the Scribe With Us competition performing to help spread the word and put an end to gambling harm.

In Auckland catch Scribe, Tyree and local finalists at a Whanau Fun Day at Papakura Marae, 29 Hunua Road, Papakura, between 10am and 2pm on Saturday 1 September.

The Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) in Wellington will acknowledge Gamblefree Day on Wednesday 29 August at 10am when Hon Peter Dunne, Associate Minister of Health, will cut the ribbon at a special event to officially open PGF’s new offices and clinic at Level 5, 148 Cuba Street, Wellington.

The cultural diversity of Nelson will be showcased with song and dance at a special event being held on Saturday 25 August between 10am and 1pm at the historic 1903 site situated near the Nelson Cathedral steps. This will serve as a platform for the regional finalist of the Scribe With Us competition to perform and provide a great opportunity to discuss gambling-related harm.

In Christchurch, bring the whanau to Aronui High school, Saturday 1 September, between 11am and 2pm for a day of fun including musical entertainment from Scribe With Us competition finalists. This event is hosted by the Problem Gambling Foundation, Salvation Army Oasis Centre and Pacific Island Evaluation.

In Waimakariri bring a picnic to Rangiora Community Garden, 115 East Belt between 11am and 2pm and enjoy music, face-painting, a walk in the garden, a sausage sizzle, and more.

Asian Family Services at the Problem Gambling Foundation are encouraging people to write a story about gambling harm to be in to win one of three prizes in each language division. Entries close 25 August and an awards event will be held on Saturday 15 September, 2pm at Chinatown, 262 Ti Rakau Drive, East Tamaki, Auckland.

Mapu Maia and Tupu Services are holding a poetry and song competition themed ‘Family Yes!...Gambling No!’ in conjunction with Radio Samoa. Entries close 29 August and a special prize giving event will be held on Monday 3 September from 6pm at the Papatoetoe Town Hall.

For further information on Gamblefree Day events around the country visit www.pgfnz.org.nz or www.scribewithus.org.nz/events

ENDS

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