Hummingbird Charity Stories

*Promotion is closed.  

This promotion allowed Hummingbird, and you, to connect with four remarkable charity partners that each support and uplift communities across the motu. We give special thanks and acknowledgement to our charity partners for this promotion; Forest & Bird, The Kindness Collective, Student Volunteer Army, and Youthline. 

We were delighted to be able to gift these four charities a donation, each showing a direct impact in keeping us, our people and our environments supported and protected.  

As this support is so vital to our communities, we wanted to share the direct impacts that these donations have had. Read below for how these charities have used the donations to continue their essential mahi. 

It is thanks to our Green Bean Fund initiative that allows us to run these promotions. For every $100 of green coffee beans we buy, we donate $1 back into local community initiatives.  

We would like to express personal thanks to you reading this, as your ongoing support of Hummingbird means that we can connect with national organisations and support the people that support us. 

Forest & Bird

“Donations from Hummingbird Coffee will help support Forest & Bird to give te taiao nature a voice at one of the most critical times in the society’s 100-year history.  

Across more than 120 conservation projects and reserves, we’re doing the mahi to protect and restore the at-risk wildlife and wild places we all love.  

Forest & Bird is one of Aotearoa/New Zealand's leading independent conservation organisations. We are nature's voice and work to defend nature – across our Land, Fresh water, Oceans and Climate & Economy. But we can't do it without your support. 

Funding from our generous supporters is used where needed to get the best impact for nature.” 

Kindness Collective

“This generous donation went towards operating the Christmas Joy store, directly providing 250 children with a magical Christmas that would otherwise have gone without.  

Kindness Collective is immensely grateful to Hummingbird for the awareness and donation received from the recent on-pack promotion. 

The Christmas Joy Store is New Zealand’s first social toy store that provides the gift of kindness and the dignity of choice. The Christmas Joy Store invites referred parents and caregivers to choose gifts and treats for their children they know they'll love, off the shelves, shopping for free. 

For 10 years we've been providing Christmas to children in need, and so far have delivered toys and treats to over 42,675 children. Throughout December, thousands of people, brands, and businesses from all over Aotearoa, came together to provide Christmas joy to 16,225 Kiwi kids.” 

Student Volunteer Army

Caitlin’s Story: 

“My name is Caitlin and I’m a student volunteer at SVA. I grew up in West Auckland which has the most caring, supportive, and kind community. Anytime my family or I have had hard times, the community has helped us. It’s the kiwi way. When the Anniversary Weekend floods happened, West Auckland was one of the worst hit areas. Seeing my childhood streets and the local schools underwater was devastating. I wanted to help but I had no resources, no training, and didn’t know where to start.  

I found SVA through social media and signed up to the first available volunteer opportunity. I no longer felt helpless. 

“We were only able to send volunteers out safely with donated PPE, and only able to keep operations running because of donations.” 

We met at Phil Twyford’s office in Henderson to receive some basic training and information. After that we were sent out to check in on residents in the worst affected streets. People's whole lives had been washed away. All that was left were trails of mud and broken trees. Those homes and people stayed with me in the long days of cleaning, the endless phone calls, and organisation - as tired as I got volunteering, I had a dry and safe home to return to.  

We were just beginning to get on top of flood recovery when we heard that Cyclone Gabrielle was coming. We didn’t know what it would bring, so we wanted to be ready. We set up a community hub in Māngere, organised volunteers and arranged sandbags and water for the community - I don’t think I’ve ever consumed so much coffee in my life! 

Even amongst the chaos, I will always remember how connected everyone was. We were all from different parts of Auckland, with different backgrounds and stories, people who had never met, yet we all worked together that day like we were old co-workers. 

As a non-profit organisation, we rely on donations. During flood recovery, we were only able to send volunteers out safely with donated PPE, and only able to keep operations running because of donations. Because of all of you at Hummingbird, volunteers like me in SVA Clubs across Aotearoa are equipped, trained, and empowered - ready to support our community when crisis hits. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you, 

a million times thank you. 

Tēnā koe, 

Caitlin” 

Youthline

“We at Youthline would like to express our deepest gratitude for Hummingbird Coffee’s generous donation of $5,500. Your contribution is not just a monetary gift; it's a beacon of hope and support for the young people of New Zealand. 

Your donation plays a crucial role in our mission to provide immediate and compassionate assistance to those in need. Let us share a glimpse of the profound impact your support will make, reflected in the lives of those we've recently helped. 

Recently, we assisted a young person – *Layla, grappling with intense anxiety following a minor car accident. Our conversation helped her to see beyond her worst fears, offering new perspectives and emotional relief. Her heartfelt words, "I just want to say to whoever you are - thank you so much - words cannot explain how grateful I am for talking to you. I hope sometime in the future, I can pay you back in some way", resonate with the essence of what your donation achieves – a profound, life-changing impact on young minds. 

Another testament to the importance of our work, and by extension, your support, is the story of a 14-year-old - *Ryan, who faced threats of violence at home. Feeling isolated and scared, they turned to us for help. Together, the Helpline volunteers and *Ryan crafted a safety plan, providing a sense of security and a pathway forward. The next day, with Youthline Helpline’s support, this young person was able to take brave steps towards a safer environment. Your donation ensures that we can continue to be there for young people like Ryan, offering guidance, support, and a path to safety. 

Your generosity enables us to maintain and enhance our services; ensuring that every young person who reaches out to us, like the ones in these stories, can receive the help they need. It's not just about the conversations we have; it's about the ongoing support, the development of safety plans, and the connections to further resources and assistance. 

In essence, your donation to Youthline has helped us keep our promise to the youth of New Zealand – a promise of a listening ear, a helping hand, and a safe space in their moments of need. You are directly contributing to a brighter, more hopeful future for many young lives. 

Once again, thank you, Hummingbird Coffee, for your kindness and belief in our cause. Together, we are making a significant difference.” 

(*names have been changed for privacy) 

DIRECT IMPACT:

$5,500 will allow us to provide 24 minutes of phone support to 240 young people.  

$5,500 could also allow us to respond to 770 texts from young people in need.