Mental Health, Movement and Meaning — Ks for Kiwis Charity Day
Garden to Table was honoured to be chosen as one of the beneficiary charities for Foundation Gym’s incredible Ks for Kiwis Charity Day — an event that brought community, movement and purpose together in the most inspiring way.
Foundation is a community-focused gym in the heart of Wellington, where busy people come to look after their health and wellbeing. After more than six years of support from their members, the Foundation team decided it was time to give back — and in true gym spirit, they set themselves a huge physical challenge: to cover the length of Aotearoa, 1,600 km, in just 12 hours. Ks for Kiwis was born.
Foundation set out to support causes that align with their values of connection, positive mental health, movement and good nutrition. Garden to Table was quickly identified as a natural fit — our mission to empower tamariki with the skills to grow, harvest, prepare and share good kai resonated deeply with their belief that good nutrition should be available to everyone.
When Foundation reached out, the connection was instant. Not only were we grateful to be chosen, but our team jumped straight in and formed their own squad to help clock the kilometres on the day!
On 8 October, during Mental Health Awareness Week, 27 teams took part — running, rowing, biking and striding their way to a remarkable total of 1,673.4 km. They not only reached the goal but surpassed it, showing what happens when a community comes together with energy, determination and heart.
The event raised $18,925, shared between Garden to Table, the Madoc Benfel Trust, and Reps for Remis — with each charity receiving $6,308. This incredible contribution helps us continue delivering meaningful food education to tamariki across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ks for Kiwis was about so much more than kilometres. It was a celebration of wellbeing, connection and compassion — a reminder of the power of community to uplift others.
From all of us at Garden to Table: Ngā mihi nui, thank you, Foundation Gym.
Your kindness, effort and generosity have made a real and lasting impact on the children and schools we empower.