FOOD FOR THOUGHT- SANCTA MARIA COLLEGE.
‘Lifelong learners in a connected world’ is one of the goals that teachers in the 21st century are working towards to develop. At Sancta Maria College, two Year 9 classes have had the opportunity to experience a project that perfectly fitted this cliché. Under the supervision and guidance of Dr Laux, teacher of General Science and Biology, the two classes embarked on a project they didn’t imagine would automatically allow them to work alongside and within their community. Their aim was to design, develop and produce food parcels to be donated to family in needs as part of the St Vincent de Paul food appeal programme. Each parcel had to meet the energy requirements for an average size family. Recipes were designed meticulously using knowledge the students gained during their Food and digestion unit. They were asked to plan for the food collection in the community or to organize fundraising events to be able to buy the non-perishable items. The whole project created partnerships between whanau, local businesses and the local community. Students used their personal, interpersonal and critical skills to cope with the stress of meeting deadlines, demands from the stakeholders, and instructions from their teacher! At the end, they all did it! With a big smile of their face, they stand proud, knowing that they have made a difference to many people out there!
President Tonia Greatbatch of South Auckland SVDP addressed the group and thanked them for this most generous inspirational act of love and commitment. There was a special acknowledgement of Dr Wilda Leux the wonderful teacher who instigated and coordinated it all.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS GIVING BEGINS.
Today the Kingsland Centre Team and the Vinnies Youth Volunteers from Tertiary Vinnies launched their Operation Christmas Giving. Over the next few weeks they will be putting together hundreds of Christmas Food boxes and packs, Care packs, Treat bags and gifts. According to Del Soti the Kingsland Centre Operation Manager their database of families and individuals that have sought assistance from their food bank has consistently grown. The networks of vulnerable communities they support have also increased.
Vinnies staff and volunteers prepacking hundreds of Christmas Food Boxes for families.
” We have had to start fundraising from the beginning of the year so that we have sufficient money to bulk buy in the food and toiletries and we have also chosen to begin packing earlier to ensure that we are not overwhelmed during the month of December as their are a few Community events that the Youth team have to run this year.
A message was put out on facebook to ask for Vinnies volunteers from the University of Auckland and the response has been really positive with up eight volunteers each day coming through at different times to help out. Fellow youth groups and Community groups have also offered assistance through picking up bulk goods and packaging them at their centres with their own people.
If you wish to make a monetary contribution to our Kingsland Operation Christmas Giving please email Auckland@stvinnies.co.nz or make a donation to: Society of St Vincent de Paul Ak /ASB Account 12-3017-0500224-00 Reference Christmas. We provide receipts at your request.
CELEBRATING OUR VOLUNTEERS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR MAHI AROHA –Service of Love
Today a special lunch was held to thank and honour the volunteers of the Kingsland Vinnies Centre for their service throughout the year. It was such an enjoyable gathering where everyone was given the opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the work of 2016. Vincentian Peter Courtney said a few words of thanks on behalf of the East Area Council and then presented all the volunteers with certificates and a small gift to show their appreciation.
