Spreading Kindness in the Memory of Musika
A Worthy Cause
Inspired from the devastation that is losing our loved ones to suicide, Musika’s Gift passionately strives to bring smiles to others’ faces in times of hardship.
In 2014, a bright, friendly, loved and selfless young man died by suicide. He was a young man that lit up any room he was in, a young man whose laughter could be heard booming down a hallway, a young man whose genuine kindness continued to unravel even after he was gone.
Musika Manutai.
Four years later Musika’s loss still carried a heavy gravity of sadness but remembering him also evoked fond memories. The very kitchen table that he would sit at and share a meal and a laugh with his brother and sister-in-law, Vene and Di, was the kitchen table that breathed life into the idea of creating a legacy. And so, it was conceived. What better way to remember Sika than spread kindness to those facing their own unfathomable hardships?
In December 2018 grocery baskets were filled, wrapping paper purchased and five special hampers organised to gift to those in a chapter of grief. Knowing all too well there’s no timeframe on grief, Di and Vene knew this was a legacy to grow. Whilst recipients were anonymously nominated, the utter kindness, love and visibility that these hampers created was instant. Loss and heartbreak is sadly a connecting experience. The ugly ripple effects of mental health, and lives taken too soon, was momentarily replaced by a feeling of connection, a feeling that others saw you and wanted to help.
Within a year this grew to 55 hampers, then 135 hampers. This growth showed that whilst December marks an exciting celebration for many, it is equally a time of experiencing loss and “what ifs” all over again. Musika’s Gift is driven to keep this legacy going, to keep spreading kindness during times that aren’t always the celebration they should have been.
Suicide casts its harrowing nets far and wide, but so does kindness. Together, Musika’s Gift has the profound opportunity to spread hope and remind others that no one is ever forgotten.
The Annual Event
One of the most endearing elements of Musika’s Gift is that although the recipient may not know who nominated them, they know that complete strangers have gifted their time, donations, generosity and kindness to make these hampers a reality.
Our baskets were replaced by trolleys, which were quickly replaced by truckloads of food. Our wrapping paper has been replaced by thoughtful branding - inspired by Marist Rugby Club, the green machine that Musika played for. But despite the changes, and the exponential growth in numbers, the intent is the same. Spread kindness.
In 2024 we’re aiming to gift 300 hampers to the Waikato community. Musika’s Gift celebrates the memory of loved ones and allows you to be involved too.
Get MERCHED
2024 PRE-ORDERS CLOSED
NEW MERCH AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER
Men & Woman Tee Shirts
Uni-Sex Crew & Hooded Sweat Shirts
Hats
They will be ready mid-October. We will let you know!
If you would like to collect use the code ‘PICKUP’ at checkout.
Orders can be collected from Bad Penny 285 Kahikatea Drive, Frankton - Hamilton from mid-October.
Support Musika's Gift
The success of Musika's Gift runs solely on sponsorship, donations and gifted goods from you. No donation is too big or too small.
Please get in touch or follow us on Facebook to find out how you can help us reach our 2024 goal.
Follow the link below to donate. A separate donation receipt will be issued.
Contact Us
If you would like to find out more about how you can support Musika's Gift through the donation of goods or services get in touch below.
Nominations for 2024 will open early November.
