Jennie Tischler is walking for a brighter future for tamariki

A registered nurse for more than three decades, Jennie Tischler has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and whānau impacted by cancer. She has seen firsthand how early support and encouragement can make a huge difference.

“This work has taught me that the smallest acts of kindness, support, and encouragement can have a profound impact. The principle — he tangata, he tangata, he tangata (it is people, it is people, it is people) — is what drives me every single day,” says Jennie.

A devoted mum to twin boys, wife to her best friend Dave, and a proud Kārori resident with roots in the Hutt Valley, Jennie also loves trail hiking and mountain biking.

So when the Brighter Futures Challenge came along, it felt like the perfect way to combine her love of adventure with her passion for helping young people. The challenge is a 10-day trek along the Great Wall of China, raising funds for What’s Up helpline, Barnardos’ free counselling service for tamariki and rangatahi.

“This service is a taonga, a treasure, offering a safe space for children and young people to be heard and empowered to recognise their unique strengths. I know this service is critical to building a brighter, healthier future for our young people, which is why I wanted to take on this challenge,” says Jennie.

To prepare for the walk and reach her $3,500 fundraising goal, Jennie has been running fundraisers and spreading the word about What’s Up. Every dollar ensures a trained counsellor is ready at the end of the phone to support tamariki and rangatahi.

You can support amazing participants like Jennie, who are walking for a brighter future for children, by donating today via her fundraising page here.

About the Brighter Futures Challenge

The challenge is a 10-day trek along the Great Wall of China to raise vital funds, helping Barnardos continue to support thousands of tamariki and rangatahi who reach out to What’s Up each year. Find out more here.