A Canterbury community is coming together this Saturday to raise funds for youth mental health charity I Am Hope, in memory of a 17 year old boy whose death has had a lasting impact on his family.

The fundraiser at The Peg and Pint in Pegasus is being organised by Jimmy Gifford in honour of his grandson Justin, and is expected to draw families from across the region for an afternoon and evening of activities, raffles and auctions.

“This is about the kids. That’s what I Am Hope is all about,” Gifford said.

“Losing Justin changed our family forever. Nothing will bring him back, but if we can help even one other young person get support before they need urgent help, then we’ve done something that matters.”

Between 4pm and 5pm, local emergency services will be on site for children to enjoy, including a fire engine, ambulance and police car. Children will be able to have photos taken and have their running speed clocked with a police radar speed gun.

“I wanted the kids who turn up to have a good time,” Gifford said. “It means a lot that the emergency services are giving their time. It shows how much people care about mental health and our young people.”

Jimmy Gifford and His Grandson Justin. Photo supplied to chrislynchmedia.com

Raffles and auctions will run through to 7pm, with an impressive line up of donated prizes including a framed All Blacks jersey signed by Richie McCaw, a Clearwater Golf experience for four, a two night Akaroa bach stay with a Black Cat cruise, a Hanmer Springs package, a two night SkyCity Auckland hotel stay with breakfast, a Christchurch Casino gaming package for up to ten people, and a $500 Mitre 10 gift card.

I Am Hope founder Mike King said events like Saturday’s were the heartbeat of the charity’s work.

“When a family has lived through the worst kind of loss, and they still choose to turn that pain into help for other kids, it’s truly humbling,” King said. “Jimmy is doing this in his grandson Justin’s honour, but it will reach kids and families he’ll never meet. That’s what local communities do best, people stepping up to wrap their arms around each other in their worst hour.”

Justin, in whose memory a fundraiser is being held at The Peg and Pint in Pegasus. Photo: Supplied to chrislynchmedia.com

Families are encouraged to arrive from 3.30pm to avoid missing the emergency services activities. Advance bids on auction items can be placed until Friday, with no phone bids taken on the day.

If you or someone under 25 needs support, visit gumbootfriday.com to connect with a counsellor. To donate to I Am Hope, visit gumbootfriday.com or text HOPE to 469 for a $3 donation.