We are excited to share that LBC's very own Tim Maifeleni has been named a Westfield Local Hero for Westfield Newmarket.
Tim is one of three finalists in the running to receive a grant of $20,000 for the work of their organisation. If Tim is successful, the money will provide grocery and petrol vouchers to patients’ families, to help reduce the financial burden of blood cancer.
Voting is open until 8 September, and can be done online here.
Every day, Tim goes the extra mile for children and young people living with blood cancers at Starship Hospital in Auckland. Whether organising video games for a hospital room, bringing patients their favourite foods or locating a young person skipping treatments, Tim tries to make everyone’s life a little bit better.
He says, "Putting a smile on the face of a young child in hospital is what motivates me to come to work each day."
Tim supports children, young people and their families during traumatic and emotional times when patients are unwell, away from home, and undergoing treatments with terrible side effects.
"If I can make this really difficult time that little bit easier, I have succeeded," he says. "Being in hospital is tough, especially for kids and teens, and it is often the little things which can help them get through the day."
Outside of his work, Tim also volunteers in his community. He coaches youth rugby, sits on the board of trustees at his childrens’ school, and is active in South Auckland Basketball and Auckland Down Syndrome Association.
When asked what the impact of the $20,000 Westfield Local Heroes grant would be, Tim says:
"This funding would make a meaningful difference – not just to our organisation, but to the families we walk alongside every day. Blood cancer places an enormous emotional and financial strain on families. Many are suddenly dealing with loss of income and the additional cost of travel to hospital for medical appointments. This funding would allow us to provide grocery and petrol vouchers – simple but vital support that helps ease some of that burden."
