A wonderful caregiver giving back in Tauranga
For those that need a safe place to flee to, Shona Sharp’s home has always had an open door. Over the years this remarkable women has taken in young woman, and occasionally men, who have suffered domestic violence or abuse.
Having escaped from a domestic violence situation herself, Shona knows how terrifying and hard the path out can be and has always offered a helping hand to anyone in need of a haven.
As a survivor of domestic violence herself, it was incredibly heartbreaking for Shona to then watch her own daughter go through it many years later. With two mokopuna (grandchildren) in the picture, Shona couldn’t standby without doing anything. With the help of Oranga Tamariki she managed to bring her young mokopuna into the love and safety of her home, where she still cares for them today.
Shona is not only bringing up her own mokopuna, but over the years she’s opened her heart and home to countless other tamariki and rangatahi (children and young people) too.
She fondly recalls a very happy memory of a 16-year-old girl she had cared for, who phoned her years later to say she wanted to come and visit. When she arrived at Shona’s house, she had four children with her. She said to Shona, “These are your mokopuna.”, “This moment made my heart swell and makes the difficult path you can have has a caregiver, all the more worthwhile,” says Shona.
Shona is a courageous, caring, and strong woman who also has a deep desire to raise awareness of charities that help those caring for tamariki and rangatahi who have suffered abuse and neglect.
Shona turned to Caring Families Aotearoa about five years ago and has found our ongoing support invaluable, especially when she needed help to navigate the path of raising her mokopuna. She now wants to give back to Caring Families Aotearoa.
As part of her giving back Shona has entered, and been shortlisted for, the Mrs Universe New Zealand competition – “The Heart that wears the Crown.” This event is devoted to young children and women who are abused, suffering domestic violence, or abandoned.
The pageant encourages entrants to be involved in the community and raise awareness of domestic violence, and all the areas it affects. Shona has chosen Caring Families Aotearoa as the charity she wants to help raise awareness and fundraise for.
Last weekend, Shona organised an amazing fundraising event in Tauranga to raise funds and awareness for Caring Families Aotearoa. With classic cars and hot rods on display, (all a secret passion of Shona’s), along with live music, and face painting, it was a fun day out – despite the rain.
Thank you Shona for your support, every donation enables us to support, educate, and advocate for wonderful caregivers.