Every year Grace (Removals) demonstrates its commitment, support and appreciation for their Australian and New Zealand communities by giving back to those who need it most. Grace Gives is an initiative which has been running for 3 years and the network continues to grow year on year, granting more gifts and raising more awareness for great Australian and New Zealand causes.
We are extremely pleased and grateful to announce Challenge 2000 has been chosen as a 2019 Grace Gives recipient.
With this grant we aim to take four students from two of the Porirua Colleges where Challenge 2000 have Social Workers/Youth Workers based, on a Pilgrimage to Taupo/Rotorua at the end of the 2019 academic year.
These students will have overcome adversity and have continued achieving in their education despite complex and ongoing barriers.
The purpose of this Pilgrimage is to provide a fun and safe experience outside of the Wellington region for four students who otherwise would not get this opportunity.
This trip will be a journey of discovery of self and each other. The trip will explore each students purpose and direction for their future as well as the chance to participate in activities that challenge their current way of thinking and push their beliefs in their own abilities. It will also build positive connections, self-confidence and a deeper understanding of one’s self.
Thanks again to Corie and the team at Grace for this generous donation and thanks to our social worker Kerry Burton for pursuing this grant on our behalf.
On Friday 22nd March we gathered to share 2 minutes silence with the rest of NZ. We remembered those who were affected by the horrific attacks on Muslim community in Christchurch. We reflected on our feelings of grief, solidarity and love.
Last Friday 8 March the Hurricanes had their first home game of the season! We were given the opportunity to provide young people to form the Guard of Honour as the Canes and Highlanders ran on the field! Our tamariki were so excited, despite the wind and rain! They waved their flags furiously and cheered as the players ran on the field. Our resident artist Jacob Bang designed a Hurricanes inspired Challenge logo, also acknowledging International Women’s Day.
the championship final!
enjoyed their time with the inspiring Ardie Savea, Ben Lam and James Blackwell. The session focused on some skills training, some touch, a tour of the Hurricanes base and some photo ops & signing at the end! The young men left RLP absolutely buzzing, especially when Dane Coles showed up right at the end just in time for some photos! We can’t wait to host the Hurricanes whānau at our whare next time!
Love works is a motto you will often hear at Challenge 2000. We believe in going the extra mile to support young people, families and communities who are struggling. Our people and financial resources have been stretched this year, as our team worked with people struggling because of financial difficulties and mental health distress. The increased number of youth suicides impacted particular communities in which we work. So as we reached Christmas we were feeling pretty exhausted. 
Particular heart shots for us – the pensioner who donated hams for our hampers, the little girl who shared her dummy with baby Jesus, the Wellington Police who came with presents and Police puppies to share and to entertain, the family who had saved pocket money to buy healthy juices, the Catholic Priest who dropped off a $1000 cheque, the companies who deposited to our bank account and to the families who sponsored less well off families. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You probably have no idea the impact you have had on both Challenge 2000 and those whom we serve. When the end of the year was a matter of survival, you helped us celebrate and relax. 
Our Hurricanes balls are all pumped up and ready to go out in our Christmas hampers!! These guys are a bit past it to make it in the rugby world but our young ones aren’t! They will be working on their skills all summer 
