The most recent available data for the 2019/2020 financial year shows 1616 calls to Youthline Southland from young people in Invercargill, 337 from Gore and 819 from youth in the Southland District.
While the $1 million goal may seem lofty, Youthline Southland has broken it down and created the campaign name #975ForLife and will take donations on GiveaLittle.
If everyone in Southland donated $9.75 each – or the price of two cups of coffee – they would hit the target with $300 or so to spare, Cochrane said.
“We could instantly resource ourselves,” she said.
Her focus has been on raising awareness about the fact that it exists and growing its volunteer base, which has gone from five to 24 volunteers.