The Harcourts Whakatāne team are putting real estate to the side on Friday as they embark on the third annual Gumboot Trek in efforts to raise funds for youth mental health services.

The event will see the local team and keen members of the public don their wellies for a walk over Ōhope hill in the name of Gumboot Friday.

The charity provides free and timely access to counselling for people aged under 25, addressing immediate needs while they wait for government-funded support.

Harcourts Whakatāne director Wayne Pamment said the trek was the team’s way of doing their part for the I Am Hope Foundation.

“We think it’s a great cause.

“As an organisation we have been in behind this for a couple of years and just believe it is a cause worth getting out of the office for and supporting.”

Harcourts branches across the country get involved in fundraising for I Am Hope, with about $155,000 raised last year, and hopes for even more this year.

“For us, we’re really focused on doing what we can, raising awareness – because there needs to be education and understanding about why we’re doing it – and raising as much money as we can for what we believe is an underfunded part of our community that affects our youth.

“While we don’t see them on a day-to-day basis in our business, they are the future of our community, so we are very passionate about making sure our kids have the tools to be able to deal with life and the challenges that come with it.”

The group expects to split when it gets to Hillcrest Road, with half going down it and the other down Gorge Road.

"We have a plan of the CBD where we are planning to go through businesses and stop people on the street to see if we can’t get some donations for this good cause.”

This year, they have some merchandise for sale, too, with Gumboot Friday-branded socks available.

The team intend to finish off at Radio 1XX with a sausage sizzle.

Members of the public are encouraged to join the Harcourts team in their annual trek.

Mr Pamment said the walk seemed daunting, and while the hill was a bit of a puff, they aimed to make it a fun experience.

“The more the merrier. It would be great to see this grow.”

The Gumboot Trek sets off from Quay Cafe in Ōhope at 9.45am on Friday, after a coffee and scone for sustenance.

For people who will not be in town on Friday or who miss the collection buckets, a fundraising page has been established on Givealittle.

It can be accessed at https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/harcourts-whakatane-supporting-gumboot-friday-2024