June Week 04

‘WE BELONG THINK TANK’

Creating a sense of Whakawhanaugatanga

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ST MARY’S COLLEGE AFTERSCHOOL VISIT TO KINGSLAND

Earlier this afternoon, these amazing girls from St Mary’s College turned up to our centre to serve in hope. From helping out our volunteers in the shop, sticking the foodbank to making posters for We Belong. Thankyou toAdeline, Tiare, Ashley and Helena for helping out today. You girls are awesome. Can’t wait to see you and a few other next week .

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‘DE LA SALLE AT MONTE CECILIA’

Continuing to build the relationships within our community – Monte Cecilia Emergency Housing for families.

Another week done and dusted . Thankyou to these awesome De La Salle boys (Dillon, Phillip, Bevan, Joesph, PJ, Ethan, Mariner) for continuing to build the relationships with the kids and families here at Monte Cecilia. Your enthusiasm and energy you all share brings so much joy and happiness to these kids and their families. Thankyou also to Miss Roy and also to one of our Igniters Lemalie Aukuso for your amazing support . You all truly do make a great difference.

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THE GIFT OF GIVING
As part of Vinnies programme students are given opportunities to volunteer in Vinnies centres to experience firsthand the mahi that needs to be undertaken in order to help the community.

A massive shout out to the students of St Peters College for the giving of your time and the work that you did at the Vinnies centre today. From Designing posters for the Caravan sleepout taking place in West Auckland next Friday, to helping in the preparation for the We Belong Social gathering that is taking place on Friday and the different tasks at hand.Thanks to Keith,David, Mathew, Rohit Raj, Korum and Rohit. Looking forward to seeing more students coming through the centre over the next week.

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‘VINNIES YOUTH TEAM IN WELLINGTON’

The start of something new! Thanks for the korero and fellowship tonight young adults of Wellington, what a wonderful collective, bringing your thoughts and passion together to help others. Let’s keep the spirit moving ‪.

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OVERCOMING OUR PAIN THROUGH LOVE AND FAITH

The Vinnies Group from St Paul’s College had the opportunity to visit the youth and mothers of the MOTHER OF DIVINE MERCY REFUGE. (A refuge dedicated to the care, rehabilitation, support and Faith formation of families affected by domestic violence)
At first the St Pauls students were nervous, however as the evening progressed they were put as ease as the youth and mothers of MDM embraced them. The students were deeply moved by the testimonies of overcoming painful pasts through courage, the love of family and their steadfast faith. Through the evening everyone joined together in song and prayer.
The heart of what was shared was how we are called by name to be present and in communion with one another; to embrace identity, connect and bridge the gap between one another. ‪

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June Week 03

AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMME FOR KIDS
Monte Cecilia

The boys are back, and were ready for another round of fun. With new leadership skills, new kids and new games, everyone was having a blast. Shoutout to the La Salle boys & Miss Roy for continuing to have the passion to serve. You guys are amazing . Special Thankyou to Lemalie Aukuso who is an old boy of the college and is now a part of the vinnies Ignite team, for coming along and joining the fun.

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SERVICING OUR OP SHOPS – DE LA SALLE COLLEGE

The best service is service with a smile! Many thanks to the committed young men of De La Salle College who have been assisting the Manurewa Opshop with maintenance, merchandising and by the looks of it, modelling! Malo De La Salle!

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UNLOCKING PRISONS – ST DOMINIC’S COLLEGE
St Dominic’s College Vinnies learning more about Prisons throughout New Zealand and what they can do to make a difference.

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SUPPORTING THE LEARNING OF THE LITTLE ONES. – ROSMINI & CARMEL COLLEGE

For numerous years now Rosmini and Carmel College Vinnies continue to support the De Paul House through helping it after school with the Homework programme. These classes are attended by the resident children of families seeking refuge at De Paul House and we’re initially set up by the staff and Volunteers of De Paul House. Everyday students from the Colleges roster in to help out. These classes are invaluable as they allow “positive socialisation”, they are throuroughly enjoyed by all participants and also provide a platform for students to engage with their local community and really seek to make a connection and difference.

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KEEPING FAMILIES WARM OVER WINTER. – SANCTA MARIA COLLEGE

Sancta Maria Vinnies have been having a very busy Term organising service to support their local communities.
-Organising visits to the Local Rest homes
– Weekly can collections to support those needing food support
-Volunteering for the Recreate NZ programme as mentors.
And finally organising a mammoth blanket and warm clothing drive for families struggling to keep warm over Winter.

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THANK YOU KINDERCARE!

Every year without fail Kindercare donate around 100 brand new Woolen blankets to Kingsland St Vinnie Centre to distribute to families needing warm blankets over Winter.

BACKGROUND
Every year, since 2006, Kindercare partners with a New Zealand supplier to manufacture thousands of 100% wool blankets.

Before winter, blankets are distributed to organisations such as the City Missions, Salvation Army, Birth Right, ADRA, and Women’s Refuge, in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton. These organisations know the needs of their local communities, enabling them to identify those individuals and families most likely to benefit from receiving a donated blanket.
Staff and volunteers of Kindercare Centres purchas or make a donation towards the cost of these blankets. These blankets are then distributed across Auckland to different Social services providers to hand out to families.

Jennifer Blakesand from Kindercare

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HOMELESSNESS FUNDRAISER – ST DOMINIC’S COLLEGE & LISTON COLLEGE

Check out St Dominic’ s and Liston Vinnies College Movie Night!! All proceeds will got to funding the programmes and the Mega Funday Funday for the local resident families of the local Caravan park!

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UNPACKING PRISONS – BARADENE COLLEGE

As part of today’s Vinnies meeting, a group of students from Baradene College unpacked the theme of ‘Prisons’. They spent their lunchtime analysing some key statistics of the prison system here in New Zealand, and reflected on how this may impact on the wider society. Now better informed, they look towards how they can best assist the community and incrementally find ways to take action.

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DE LA SALLE COLLEGE- What do you see ?

Today, De La Salle college focused on the theme of Social Exclusion. They brainstormed words and factors in our lives that socially exclude and distract us from being ourselves and from keeping us connected. Huge Thankyou to Miss Roy and the students of the college for having us. Keep up the great work .

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SERVICE ON POINT !

Earlier this afternoon, we were blessed to have 10 amazing Baradene girls, from different year levels come into the centre today ready to work. These girls finished up tasks so well and so fast that they got to make posters for ‘We Belong’ next week.

Thank you so much girls for your passion and for all you did today, never have we had so many people in one room where we shared so much love and laughter. Also Thank you to our cool awesome Igniters and staff who decided to join in on the fun too.

June Week 02

CONFORTARE ESTO VIR

The students of Sacred Heart College unpacked the theme of Homelessness over the term, understanding the need within the community and realizing that we need to step outside our comfort zones to be able to connect with those who go without. Upcoming this term, they will be running a retreat which stands in Solidarity with our brothers and sisters living it rough.

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NARRATIVES OF FOOD INSECURITY

Recently the students of Marist College embarked on an input session to unpack the notion of food insecurity. In particular, this Vinnies group reflected on the stories of those who struggle to put food on the table here in New Zealand; highlighting the issues’ multi facetted nature. Provided with a deeper understanding of both the hope and dismay that exists amongst such situations, these young women look towards ways in which to make a positive change. Well done Marist College Vinnies.

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WHO ARE IN OUR PRISONS?

Today the Vinnies at St Peters College attended a workshop on New Zealand Prison. Material for the workshop used were sourced from Reports presented by JustSpeak. This report outlined some sobering facts of those we incarcerate in New Zealand. Some key findings included:

– 98% of Youth in prison suffer from mental health issues
– Around 60% have gone through Child, Youth and Family Services (CYFS)

– Around 80% experience a form of learning disability

– An over representation of those who are Maori and in prison statistics.

The report further discusses how many of those we incarcerate also live below the poverty line. These statistics speak of a growing problem in New Zealand.

These findings speak to our dominant disposition towards sending our poor, our mentally ill, those with learning disabilities, our indigeneous, those who have been in CYFS care and those who have already suffered significantly because of a systemic problem arising from Prisons. Thank you to the St Peter’s College Vinnies who are dedicating their school term projects towards learning more on the matter, and how they bring about change in the actions big and small.

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CARING FOR OTHERS

Earlier today, members of the Vinnies Youth Team had the opportunity to connect in with some of the students of Liston College. There was a profound sense of gratitude for the many things and significant others that have shaped them towards the young men they are today. The Vinnies youth then reflected on the many trials and tribulations that may hinder these sources of growth, and how this might impact upon those without a place to call home. As the winter season rolls on, the group now prepares projects that seek to address some of these impacts. Thank you once again Liston College Vinnies.

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REFLECTING ON HOMELESSNESS

Today the Vinnies of St Mary’s College looked into the theme of homelessness, and it’s implication for numerous individuals and families here in New Zealand. Particular focus was given towards common misconceptions that hinder our ability to develop genuine, person to person interaction. Through self-reflection, these young women pin pointed the factors that might get in the way of connecting; as well as how such knowledge can be used towards upholding the dignity of those whom they serve.

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YOU ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The little boys and girls and their teachers from Ferndale Kindergarten in Mt Albert wanted to help out struggling families. Today we picked up a carload of food that will go into the food parcels that will be given to families who seek assistance from the Kingsland foodbank. Thank you so much and God bless you.

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VINNIES SUPPORTING THE RECREATE PROGRAMME -Sancta Maria College.

RECREATE support young people with intellectual and physical disabilities. This year Sancta Maria Vinnies have signed up to assist as mentors ad buddies on their camps and events.

Congratulations Sancta Maria Vinnies leaders and crew for taking this on as a new initiative.

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June Week 01

HOME: NOT SIMPLY A HOUSE

Today the Vinnies of Sacred Heart College gathered in preparation of their upcoming projects within the community. The gathering was focused upon the notion of homelessness, and what makes a home – a home. Attention was given towards some key statistics within New Zealand, and how this might inform their works of mercy and service. Special shout out to those taking part in today’s after school programme in support of the young within their community!

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CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY

A big shout out to the Vinnies of Marist College who have been facilitating a mammoth food drive in support of families over the winter season. These young women have been exploring the notion of food insecurity throughout regular school gatherings, and so have chosen to make an impact wherever they can. These generous food items will go a long way to assisting those in need – Well done Marist College Vinnies.

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HOMELESSNESS IS EVERYWHERE

The students of Sancta Maria College unpacked the theme of Homelessness, exploring some of the things that stop us from serving our brothers and sisters in Christ and growing in understanding that Homelessness comes in different ways.

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WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER

Today the Vinnies of McAuley high school unpacked the notion of homelessness, and the many forms it can take within the community. Through an interactive discussion, these young women reflected on how the learnings of today can be used towards the betterment of tomorrow. We look forward to seeing what they bring to the forefront in the weeks to come.

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Monte Cecilia After-school Programme

Theo, Kelly, Phillip, Edmund, Mariner, Loma

De La Salle back at it again . Monte Cecilia Housing Trust was filled with so much fun and games again this Tuesday afternoon. These boys who range from Year 11 to 12, showed up and stepped up to the challenge and took amazing leadership roles to make sure the children here have fun and feel valued just like how every child should feel.

Big Thankyou to Theo, Kelly, Phillip, Edmund, Mariner, Loma and of course Miss Roy. Thankyou and all the best for assessment week next week and see you back at it the week after.

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VOLUNTEERING IN THE MANUREWA OP SHOP

As part of learning about the different needs in the community and also providing some volunteer support, Vinnies from all.over Auckland volunteer in their local Vinnies Shop. On Saturdays De LA Salle College get rostered on to help out at their local Vinnies OP Shop.

Proceeds from these shops go to fund the works of.the to.support hose in need.
Seen here De La Sallians Ijan and Cyrus working away in.the Manurewa St Vinnies OP Shop.

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SEEING PEOPLE AROUND US.

St Paul’s College unpacked the theme of Social exclusions this term and realising that in order to see the needs in others, we must first see the needs in ourselves and identifying what stops us from including others.

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Afterschool service at the Kingsland Shop

Shoutout to these amazing girls from Baradene for their service today at the kingsland shop. From preparing over 25 food parcels to serving in the shop to helping out upstairs. Thank you girls for your commitment and for your driven passion to giving back to the community. Can’t wait for more fun next week .

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