Purple Hope Day
The inaugural Purple Hope Day was proudly celebrated November 21, 2017, commemorating the third anniversary of Auckland toddler, Valentina Warren’s, untimely passing.
Initiated by Valentina’s devoted parents, and in association with Foster Hope New Zealand, Purple Hope Day celebrates the life of Valentina, while also treating over 100 children in foster care with a truly memorable day of fun.
Throughout the year Valentina’s mother Sophia Perera coordinates fund raising initiatives such as movie screenings and premieres, to raise funds to provide an exciting day for foster children in the lead up to Christmas.
Last year Purple Hope Day was celebrated at Kiwi Valley Farm in Henderson Valley, Auckland, with close to 150 children celebrating in Valentina’s memory.
Dubbed Purple Heart Day in honour of Valentina’s favourite hue, participants and supporters are encouraged to wear their favourite purple outfits to commemorate the Auckland toddler and her devoted family.
“She was drawn to anything purple. For me, now, since she’s passed, I’m drawn to anything purple as well,” says Sophia.
Purple Heart Day is a day to spread joy and happiness to these special children in the lead up to what can be a challenging time of year.
Valentina is remembered by her parents as a particularly loving, empathetic and compassionate child and Purple Hope Day is the perfect way to honour the memory of their very special daughter.
Sophia says Valentina’s empathetic nature aligns with the values of Foster Hope New Zealand.
“Foster Hope felt like a really good fit. I definitely think this is something Valentina would be drawn to and feel really proud to be a part of.”
In the cruelest twist of fate, Sophia has been diagnosed with an extremely rare stomach cancer in 2020 which she has been told is terminal. For our 2021 Purple Hope Day we are treating 470 foster children and their families to a trip to the Auckland Zoo which is our largest event ever.
To contribute towards supporting over 100 New Zealand children in foster care celebrating in Valentina’s honour please click on the donate button.
All donations are tax deductible and are very gratefully received. They will make a huge contribution toward supporting the next generation of New Zealanders.
