Our mission: to make a difference to the lives of seriously ill children and their families
What is the HHN?
The Holiday Helpers Network is a not-for-profit group of individuals, businesses and organisations that cooperates to provide free leisure and respite experiences to families with seriously ill children.
Our goal is to make these experiences a reality for as many deserving families as possible, drawing on the innate generosity and empathy of New Zealanders.
Due to our local knowledge and love of beautiful Waiheke Island, we offer holidays on the Island (35 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland).
How did the HHN come about?
Despite being terminally ill, teenager Donna Curtis's last wish was to create Donna's Dreamhouse - a holiday home in the UK for children with life-threatening or terminal illnesses. A place where kids could just be kids, and families could bond away from their 'normal' day to day life of hospital visits, medications and endless operations.
Donna's story inspired us to act and the HHN Waiheke Island was formed. Since 2011, we have provided 20+ incredible holiday experiences to deserved families.
Who organises the HHN holidays?
The HHN is powered by three friends with the same purpose. Being small means we are agile, can take the time to get to know each family, and ultimately tailor each HHN experience to them.
In reality though, the HHN is much bigger than just the three of us. Being 100% volunteer and donation based, none of this could happen without the amazing generosity of our sponsors.