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Kamo unveils Kazam! youth hui fundraiser

Thu 19 May 2011 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback

An Auckland fundraiser is being planned to help raise money for young people who want to attend the national queer youth hui, but can't afford it. Queer youth groups are already trying to raise money to get to the Rainbow Youth-hosted gathering, which is being held in the Auckland region over Queen's Birthday Weekend. Rainbow Youth has up to 200 youth who want to attend and is charging $60 a head, which covers food, accommodation and events for the full three days. "However $60 is not a small amount for some people," Rainbow Youth has pointed out to GayNZ.com Daily News. "And an unachievable amount for others." It called on individuals and businesses to help out and K' Rd bar Kamo has come to the table. The venue is running the Kazam! Rainbow Youth Hui Fundraiser on 1 June at 7.30pm, immediately after the Gay Auckland Business Association meeting. Kamo co-owner Toby Steele says the bar is all about supporting the community, as will the made over venue. "We're very close with Rainbow Youth and we're very proud to be supporting them," he says. "For us this is about what the glbt community will look like in the future." Steele explains that he believes it's important for the older generations to get involved and connect with younger queer people; saying when he and his peers came out there was plenty of support from older mentors. "The mentors were usually anything between five and 20 years older than us and they would take us out and teach us, you know, the ways of being gay. It was a really exciting and amazing time and we had a lot of fun and really got to live and be within this unique culture." He believes the prevalence of the internet has allowed people to be more aware and educated about the glbt community, it has also caused a loss of human contact. "So we're really excited about getting involved with Rainbow Youth. We really want to see the generations come together. And obviously we think that the hui they've put together is a fantastic way to bring the different generations back together, to learn to work together and play together." Steven Oates will host the evening and Olympian Blake Skjellerup will be a guest speaker, while there will of course be shows. A dollar from each individual drink sold will go to Rainbow Youth's Kazam! hui. "We obviously hope people will come and be very generous with their wallets that night and enjoy the evening," says Steele. Rainbow Youth is expressing thanks for the gifts, donations and support from organisations across the country. "The fundraiser on 1 June is a Kamo owner and staff suggestion and contribution to our National Takatapui, Queer and Trans Hui over Queens Birthday Weekend," says Executive Director Tom Hamilon. "Toby and his crew came to us with an aim to contribute by bringing the community together to raise some last minute pingas and make sure that takataapui, queer and trans youth can really get on with having a fantastic time in hui and changing the world a little bit more," he says. "The wonderful thing is that without the generosity of time, space and skills events like this would take a lot of our staff and volunteer resources, so Rainbow Youth are always grateful for the support to run events such as these," Hamilton adds. "By coming along to the event and having a drink you are contributing, so don’t be deterred just come and meet one of New Zealand's talented out and proud athletes, Blake Skjellerup, and enjoy a few nibbles, enjoy some entertainment and get home in time for a gingernut and a cuppa. Rainbow Youth really appreciate all the support we can get. Go on ... mark it in your diary." Kamo is planning to hold events for a number of charities within the community both now and after it redevelops mid-year.    

Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff

First published: Thursday, 19th May 2011 - 5:40pm

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