Pilgrims on a Journey


Every year, Challenge 2000 with the help of the Society of Mary take a group of people aged about 18 – 35 years on a pilgrimage……2011 was no different.  In December a group of 15 packed up some of their things, turned off their cell phones and opened themselves up to whatever the week ahead held in store for them.  A pretty courageous act in these busy times!

The group first went to Hawke’s Bay where they spent some time learning about the Marist history and began the journey inward also, starting to ask the questions like ‘what is my call to action’? Obviously not a question that was answered straight away!  The journey continued on to Kuratau (on the shores of Lake Taupo) then further on to Jerusalem, up the Whanganui River where the group learned about Suzanne Aubert – the Founder of the Sisters of Compassion.  This is always a fundamental part of the yearly pilgrimage as we connect the with the stories of Suzanne Aubert and of a well-respected New Zealand poet, James K. Baxter who spent a good deal of time in Jerusalem.  These stories help to further explore the question, ‘what is my call to action?’. The pilgrimage continued to Otaki, where the group visited Pukekaraka Marae – an important part of Challenge 2000’s journey, as Challenge whanau have been visiting there since Challenge began.  

As the pilgrimage came to a close, the participants took time to reflect on where they had been – both internally and externally and all said that they had learned a great deal and had a great experience – even though at times it was challenging! 

While every year the pilgrimage is different, because the people are always different, the fundamentals remain…..through travelling around Aotearoa New Zealand the participants get a sense of who they are in relation to their country.  Through travelling with fellow pilgrims, the participants learn about who they are in relation to others.  And through travelling inwards, the participants start to answer the question of who they are and what they are called to become.

Pilgrimage is run yearly in December. If you wish to be a part of it please contact us.

Whanganui Awa Children came to visit us!

Out for a walk exploring Wellington

Challenge 2000 and the Sisters of Compassion have had a long standing friendship, one that is greatly valued as we can learn so much from the Sisters who answer the call of the gospel every day!  We were first introduced to the children and staff at the Whanganui Awa School by the Sisters of Compassion  when we performed a nativity play two years ago at the school. 

We were lucky enough to have the children visit us in Wellington recently!  We had looked forward to their visit for a long time, and with lots of planning and the help of some very generous people all the plans became a reality.  This was the first time that some of the children had ever been to Wellington so it was very exciting for them!

During their time in Wellington the children visited Te Papa, Parliament, spent time with the Sisters of Compassion in Island Bay, shared meals, visited the Police College and museum, visited the Carter Observatory and had lots of time play and laughter.  It was a very special time for us and them, and we look forward to seeing the children again, both in their place and in ours in the future.

Christmas Parade 2011

 

Challenge 2000 Santa Parade Crew

The Challenge 2000 team had a float in annual Johnsonville Christmas Parade again this year.  It was a beautiful Wellington day with hardly any wind the sun shone brightly!

We went for a ‘Kiwi Christmas’ theme this year as we felt it encapsulated part of who we are both as a community and as part of the wider community of Aotearoa New Zealand.

It was a fun day with flag twirling from our new social worker from the USA, spraying the crowd with water guns, Santa on a boat wearing summer attire (with his able helper – a four year old Superman), “The C2K Angels” and various little helpers.

A few of our team were on the ‘Johnsonville Churches’ float – one of our young emerging stars was Joseph on the float, he really looked the part and we were very proud of him.

We had a fun day as a team, but we also really enjoyed being part of the wider Johnsonville Community – sharing the day with other people in the parade and also seeing the smiling faces of  children, young people and their families who came out to watch the parade.  A reminder to us that we are part of a wider community and that together we can make a difference.

Court Supervised Camp

Challenge 2000 provide the Court Supervised Camp Programme as part of our Fresh Start Services.

The Camps this year have been a great success – our young people have enjoyed their experiences in the Great Outdoors. There they have been challenged to discover who they are and what life choices they need to make. Awareness of self, others and the responsibilities of being a citizen of Aotearoa New Zealand is developed while sitting around a camp fire, doing a weka walk, kayaking down a river, working to help others and living simply – away from the pressures of city life.

Our last Camp departed on December 5 and was be led by Heath Hutton, Steve Tamarapa and Manu Maihi-Ioane. These staff members have continued to mentor and support the young participants as they transferred the achievements of the Court Supervised Camp back into their home lives. This aspect is a contributor to the success of the Camp –its a seamless community based service.

Any referrals you’d like to make for this camp or any future camp please contact us on 477 6827 and speak with either Bridget Roche or Heath Hutton.

 

 

 

All the Way from Brazil…

My name is Jose Texieira, I’m Brazilian and I arrived in New Zealand on the 24th of July with the objective to learn English, see places and understand the culture of this beautiful country.

Through Fr. Mike (a Marist Priest who has lived in Brazil) I learnt about Challenge 2000.

I was thinking of staying for one or two weeks in Wellington to work as a volunteer but something made me stay longer.  As I couldn’t understand the language and activities taking place at Challenge 2000, I started out by only observing.  Through actions and non- verbal communication, I started understanding that there was a very spiritual base to their work.

The main objective of this agency is to show youth the light of change each and every day.  We all are born equal of God and because of our journeys in life, we may take paths that are not the most beneficial to us.  Challenge 2000 (C2K) helps people find their light and follow a right path.

Challenge 2000 believes that everyone can uncover their dignity, value, and brilliance and to also understand that it can be a tough journey but that it ispossible.   They give people the opportunity to grow and start over.  In a short amount of time, I have seen big transformations in young people in all the various activities. 

They help people obtain food; help people move houses, clean up neighbourhoods, and provide a save and caring environment for youth to grow.  C2K believes that youth are agents of transformation and can change the situations in which they live.

I have been fortunate to participate in many important moments, such as a baptism, graduation of youth from the Odessy and outdoor Camp programs.  The youth camp program, gave the young persons opportunities to get to know their abilities, values and ways to improve themselves.  They talk about their personal histories to help them realize what is important to change and meet their future goals.  Also, the youth workers treat the youth with dignity and kindness and give them the opportunity to learn important societal values. 

Challenge 2000 also gives special attention to minority groups.  In Brazil, I perform pastoral work with gypsies and I understand how minority groups can suffer. In this group, I’ve met people who bring a rich culture and in Challenge, they have an opportunity to express themselves and share their strengths.

To be able to run all the projects and activities, Challenge 2000 counts on the help of so many people, some with prayers, giving their time, or by financial assistance.  I see that at this time, they are in need of financial support to buy a new van.  The van is important to help continue the success of programs such as the Odessy and camping excursions. 

I’m very happy that I’ve met this group.  It helps remind me, that Jesus is not forgotten.  Challenge 2000 doesn’t discriminate against race, colour, or religion and I hope that many people can get to know and help this group accomplish its goals. 

The Mighty Trek up to New Plymouth!!!

 

The team showing their colours

On 11 September 2011 eight Challenge 2000 team members wrapped themselves in an array of Irish and Munster jerseys and headed up to New Plymouth for the Ireland vs USA game.  For that game we were kindly reminded by our fearless leader that our allegiance lies with Ireland and no other team – although once meeting up with Jamie –our USA staff member – we managed to cheer for the Sates too!! After a road trip of  four and a half hours  and stops at famous towns like Levin, Bulls and Hawera, we reached Taranaki.  All we could see was a sea of green supporters, sprinkled with a few Americans.

 

Jamie backing USA

 

The atmosphere was filled with excitement and energy … I have always been proud of our little nation but on this occasion watching the crowd regardless of the colours they wore supporting both teams made me even prouder to be a Kiwi. To share this experience with the other members of the team was incredible. The Challenge team made the experience a once in a lifetime one – full of laughter, craic, fun, singing, adventure and of course a few history lessons about Ireland and the challenges there. Sinead was a great presence being the only pure Irish person amongst us!  Craig Butler showed fantastic hospitality – making us very welcome at St Josephs presbytery and being sooo friendly AND thanks for the mattresses and the breakfast on Monday. Then back to work refuelled and a closer team. Go the All Blacks!! We look forward to an Irish All Black Final…????

Street Day Appeal

Early Morning Collection at Wellington Train Station

Friday September 2nd saw 100 of our brave collectors face the public on the streets of Wellington to collect money to support our youth programmes. The cold  and blustery morning began at 0645 at Wellington Railway station where collectors and commuters shivered and struggled against the Wellington wind. When all seemed impossible a magnificent, colourful rainbow filled the sky and gave us all hope for the day. We managed to raise $7,000 – THANK YOU to all our supporters. The total was a little down on last year and we now wait on the generous cheques of those that didn’t have cash in their pockets and assured us that they would make a deposit in our bank account.

Challenge supporters Eddie and Cecily collecting on Lambton Quay

At our staff debrief on Friday night many stories were told of generous givers and people who gave a little because they had experienced personal or family struggles with children and young people themselves. Stories were also shared of those who walked passed, averted their eyes or made rude comments about the number of collections that occur on Wellington Streets. The more intellectual of our collectors reflected on the sociological and philosophical issues relating to the redistribution of wealth in our community and how we do all need to do our bit to ensure that our children and young people can grow and fully participate in our society.

 

Challenge 2000 Supports Gary and Wendy collecting on Johnsonville Road

 

Overall, we are really grateful to the people of Wellington who do understand that it takes a city to raise a child and build a positive and functioning country.

Thank you for helping us to make a difference, for bringing our young people hope and for sharing what you have.

Challenge 2000 Team!

Clean up your act!

Respect is a core value at Challenge 2000! We try to teach it to others and to live it ourselves.

On Saturday 6 August 2011 we led a clean up effort in Johnsonville that saw over 50 bags of rubbish collected.

The brisk morning couldn’t keep us away or dampen the enthusiasm of those participating. Under bushes, mowed into lawns, clogging gutters and around the railway line – there was no effort spared.

Thanks to all those that joined in and supported the effort including WCC Councillors Justin Lester and Helene Ritchie who were both cleaning machines, NZ Police’s finest Matthew Boyce, and Katrina Shanks MP. Thanks also to WCC Councillor Ngaire Best for helping with planning and preparation and a big shout out to Sid Keelan and all other WCC staff that supported the removal of all that rubbish.

The morning ended with a BBQ put on with the support of local hero Bob Shennan.

50 bags is just a start, there is much more work to be done in keeping our community looking and feeling absolutely positively good. Most importantly we need to build and support people in the community that respect others, respect themselves, and respect this place.

We’d like this to become an annual event so watch this space for more! 

Thank you Freemasons

A big thank you to the Johnsonville based Freemasons for their recent sponsorship. The freemasons held the longest morning tea on 30 July at the Philip Street Lodge with all proceeds going to Challenge 2000.

We are raising money for a new van and the Freemasons sponsorship is a very useful contribution towards this.

It is obvious to us that despite the perception of mystery associated with the Freemasons, the blokes do a lot of good in the community!

Thank you to all the Freemasons and keep up the good work.

Clean Up Jville!

Challenge 2000 are leading the charge to clean up Johnsonville for visitors ahead of the Rugby World Cup. Join us on August 6, for a couple of hours of cleanup. If you would like to help please register your interest with us or just turn up!

ph: 477 6827 for info.