These Guys I Know and Graeme Dingle Foundation ask Kiwis to “move mountains” for youth

These Guys I Know has partnered with the Graeme Dingle Foundation to create ‘Move mountains for youth’.

Launched during Youth Week from May 18-24, the new nationwide platform is designed to turn personal challenges into collective impact.

It invites Kiwis to donate to the foundation or take on a challenge inspired by the life and legacy of New Zealand adventurer and youth development advocate Sir Graeme Dingle. Participants can turn kilometres into fundraising targets and personal effort into support for young people across Aotearoa.

Provide long term support

Ant Farac, creative director at These Guys I Know, says the ambition was to build something people could actively take part in – and that had the potential to provide long term support for the organisation, beyond a traditional campaign window. 

“Sir Graeme has spent a lifetime climbing mountains, but this is really about the mountains young people face every day – many of which are invisible.

“We wanted to create something that had longevity – driving long term return on investment for the foundation. ‘Move mountains for youth’ is a platform rather than a campaign. It can come to life in many different ways,” says Farac.

Invest in their goals

The campaign has already attracted support from across sport and adventure, including former All Blacks players Graham Mourie and Dom Bird.

Holly Beckham, who is training to become the first Māori woman to summit Mount Everest carrying the Tino Rangatiratanga flag, has committed to a 300km challenge as part of the initiative.

Go Media’s billboards are running in key centres alongside radio advertising and a broad digital campaign. Meanwhile, Sir Graeme has been appearing in media to encourage wealthy Kiwis to invest in young people’s goals.

Reflects the mission

Paul Burns, marketing and fundraising general manager at Graeme Dingle Foundation, says the campaign reflects the organisation’s wider mission.

“’Move mountains for youth’ is about creating more opportunities and helping young people build confidence, resilience and a sense of possibility.

“I’m really proud of what we’ve created – a platform that captures what we are about: moving mountains for youth so as to ensure brighter futures ahead. Our young people deserve it.”

Meaningful work

Amanda Wilson, strategist at These Guys I Know, says the campaign highlights an ongoing commitment to purposeful work, particularly if it can change outcomes for young people. 

“It’s a very challenging time for not for profits at the moment – and we do need to step forward and show support.

“Supporting the legacy of Sir Graeme Dingle made this especially meaningful. He’s 80 years old now and has moved many mountains in his lifetime – but his passion is making a difference for young people. This really aligns with our interest in creating equitable opportunities for young people wherever possible through our work”.

400,000 young New Zealanders have been supported by the Graeme Dingle Foundation over the last 30 years.