LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS Mentoring is a blessing

C hrissy Conyngham, Shelley Smith and Amanda Thomas are on a shared mission to help support vulnerable youth in Aotearoa. Each is a mentor with Upside, an Auckland charity that matches at-risk kids with inspiring role models. The three women speak to the Weekly about the young people who have changed their lives, too.

Chrissy Conyngham & Anastacia

Businessowner Chrissy Conyngham used to fill her limited spare time with Saturday football games and dance rehearsal drop-offs, but now her three daughters are in their twenties, the Flo & Frankie founder has filled the space with mentoring.

A year ago, after hearing Upside speakers talk at an event, the mum-of-three found herself in tears and wanting to help. Despite a busy career running her popular women’s clothing and lifestyle company, Chrissy jumped on board as one of 120 mentors for the charity in Auckland, alongside her youngest daughter Bella, 21.

“I figured if I used to be able to fit those activities in with my kids, how can