Youth

This section contains news and photos of the activities of the Vinnies and the Parish Youth Group. Please click the links below for the latest updates.

The Youth Olympics were a great way to start the holidays. We started the night with Chocolate fishing which was both hilarious and tasty. Next we moved onto a Cotton Ball scooping competition, which was a lot harder than it sounds. About this time the young people really got into the competitive environment and everyone showed great skill and audacity. Once everyone had had a turn we shifted to Tug of War, Wheelbarrow races and quirky Relay Races. To finish the evening we had game of non-contact rugby in the spirit of the Rugby World Cup. Thanks to Garin College for the use of their Gym! .

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The Youth Event last month was an enjoyable and exciting exploration of finding the balance between the use of Technology and our Christian beliefs. Scripture tells us (though not directly) that spending large amounts of time using Technology is not what Jesus wants us to be doing with our lives. We had a great time with the Xbox Kinect and the awesome speaker system that had been set up and I was genuinely impressed by the dance moves that were shown off during the night!

Thanks to Father David for the use of his projector, to Saint Paul's for the use of their projector screen and St Francis of Assisi Parish for the use of their sound system.

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At the youth event at the end of July we spent some time discussing what it actually means to be following “The Will of God”. This is an important topic for the youth, especially for those who are beginning to make decisions about what they will do after college. After looking at some, Scripture God’s care for our day to day behaviour became more apparent. As followers of Christ, we are charged to “love one another” and strive for the Kingdom of God throughout our lives. Thanks to Garin College for the use of their Gym and everyone else who made the event a success..

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The Valley Stewardship Retreat was held on the 15^th and 16^th of July. This was an opportunity for the youth in the Nelson to get together after a long school term and spend time with God. On the Friday night we spent some time introducing the young people to each other, and then moved on to a presentation that Dan Siave had prepared on Christian Stewardship. We finished the night with some reflective prayer and then headed to bed.

After breakfast on the Saturday morning the youth were presented with a variety of activities which were designed to encourage the use of their different gifts. These included the giant maze, the obstacle course and several wall challenges. Dan then ran them through some gift discernment exercises, which left us overwhelmed with how talented everyone is. After this last group discussion we moved onto some archery. This gave everyone a chance to relax before we moved onto some mass preparation and retreat evaluation. Transport arrived and took us to the Richmond Vigil Mass. The youth each had their own part in the Mass, and along with the great music, the mass was very enjoyable.

A big Thank You to Dan Siave for coming down from Wellington and turning the Retreat into a success. Another big Thank You to the Light of Christ Music Group for playing the music during mass. Also thanks to Damian and Rebecca for giving up their weekend to help out. Finally thanks to Father David for his massive support during the planning of the Retreat.

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The youth event this June was an exploration of some the virtues of John the Baptist. The young people were invited to participate in a series of activities which introduced each of these virtues in an interesting way. As the pictures show, the youth had to show off their acting skills. They also had to work together in a series of blindfold challenges, answer some trivia on John the Baptist and sit in silence for a few minutes (probably the hardest task of all!). At the end of night we decided on some simple but challenging ways to incorporate some of these virtues into our own lives.

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The Youth Group of May had a very good turnout, and everyone had a great time. We begun the night with an exploration of the gift of Eternal Life through analogy, and then moved on to how the Bible explains how we can obtain this gift. Following on from this we proceeded to analyse some scripture to determine some basic guidelines on how to live our lives here on earth. To end the night we played some games, which included yoga ball soccer and other favourites.

A big thanks to Garin College for the use of their Gym, to Kerri for coming along and helping out, and to everyone else for making the night a success.

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The Youth Group last Friday night was both enjoyable and informative for the small number of youth that turned up. To begin with we had an invigorating game of Ten Pin Bowling with some of young people getting some very professional scores, including those that were playing for the first time. We then took transport to the Parish Centre, and sat down to learn the Rosary together. By the end of the session everyone was confident about the Rosary, and we then moved onto some games to finish the night.

Thanks again to everyone that made the night possible.

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Last Sunday the youth went for a walk along the Hacket Walking Track (Whispering Falls). It quickly became apparent what a fit group of young people we have and after crossing the swing bridge and following the winding river up the valley, we rapidly arrived at the main attraction. After enjoying the waterfall we journeyed up to the top clearing and had a much needed break. Then we the group had some self reflection and prayer on making time for God during this last week of Lent. Finally we made the long journey down to the bottom again, with a quick detour to the nearby mines.

Thanks to all those that helped the walk a success.

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The latest youth group had a great turnout, and with everyone happy, we started to play some games. We started off with a quick quiz on Lent with some surprising results, had a quiz on some statements relating to our everyday life…… or far from it, and then split up to do some group activities, one of which painting old t-shirts with images of who we think we are. The night ended with a prayer, and we set off home.  (By Matthew Ruffle)

Thanks again to everyone that supported the Youth Group this month, with a special thank you to St Vincent de Paul for their kind donation of shirts.

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This month’s Youth Event was a great success with plenty of new people turning up and we even had some young girls from Christchurch join in. We started the night off with some games picked out by the youth, which usually involved the over sized yoga ball. After this we had a break and enjoyed some pizza and drink together. After this we had some group prayer. Each of the Youth wrote a prayer about our night’s topic of Materialism or for the victims of the Christchurch Earthquake. Some of the prayers were very well thought out and touching. Once again I want to thank Garin College for letting us use their great facilities, and Father David for his continued support.

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This month’s youth event at the Richmond parish centre was a bucket of laughs with the small number of attendees eating unhealthy amounts of chocolate and trying on silly clothes as they try to win a series of hilarious games. With a theme of friendship to start off the new School Year, everyone was having a great time learning about how to be a better friend, through prayer and role-plays. Over all it was an enjoyable time, and hopefully many more young people can get involved next month.

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The Rabbit Island Youth Event was a great success with another good turn-out. We had a great time playing Capture the Flag amongst the landscape of Rabbit Island, it was amazing the strategy and teamwork that emerges from a little competition. Along with the stunning weather and a barbeque, we had a very enjoyable evening. Thanks to everyone for their help, especially Garin for the loan of their equipment. We are always looking for more young people to join in so if you know any young people that would be interested then give Hayden Powick a call on 0220663264 or email him at haydenpowick@hotmail.com

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Another great turn-out to the youth event this month! This time we had a movie night at the parish centre. We all settled in with popcorn and watched a great movie with awesome sound and projector screen. After this we had some group reflection and prayer, and focused on some of the messages that Jesus teaches us through the scripture. As always we had a heap of fun. Special thanks to St Pauls and Father David for lending their equipment

(Please see the photos page for larger versions of these images)

The October youth event was a great success, with another good turnout of around 20 young people. We started the night with a game of Gold Rush, with a focus to include first timers. After this we sat down and enjoyed some pizza together, and then moved on to some group prayer (accompanied by Caleb Nott’s fantastic guitar playing). After this we moved on to some more games, with groans from the now ‘full-bellied’ youth. Overall a great night and thanks to everyone to their help. Sorry no photos this time.

The Youth Event was an awesome display of Ten Pin Bowling talent as twenty-five young people arrived at the Indoor Action Centre last Friday night. After an hour of friendly competition, and a whole lot of gutter balls, we all headed back to the Parish Centre for some quiet prayer and reflection to finish the night off.  The night was a great success and we are already planning the next event, so if you are interested contact Hayden Powick on 0277766870 or haydenpowick@hotmail.com

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Today’s youth event was an exhibition of Richmond sporting ability, as twenty young Catholics went head to head in Indoor Netball, Volleyball and Soccer. With the help of some interesting icebreaking games (and an oversized yoga ball), everyone was soon working together like clockwork. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed themselves, particularly when the junk food was brought out! After some quiet prayer to top off the night, everyone went home grinning and exhausted! We are already planning the next event, so if you are interested contact Hayden Powick on 0277766870 or haydenpowick@hotmail.com.

(Please see the photos page for larger versions of these images)

The Vinnies had lots to celebrate during Term 3 of this year, here are a few of the reasons why…

Community Recognition
At the end of August the Nelson Area Council Vinnies came Regional Runners-Up in the Educational and Child/Youth Development section of the Nelson Tasman TrustPower Community Awards. There to receive the award was Waimea College Vinnie Liam Gill who assists at the Victory Homework Academy for refugee children; Saint Paul Vinnies Julia Froeling and Daniel Winch and Vinnies Youth Coordinator, Philippa Winch. The award was a huge honour to receive and reflected the community’s appreciation of the work done by the dedicated young Vinnies who volunteer their skills and talent in helping to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Magnificent Mosaics
In early September the mosaics that the Saint Paul’s and Garin College Vinnies spent a term in creating went up in the Cambridge Street Park. These mosaics which showed what youth volunteers give to the community as well as what they personally gain from the experience added a splash of colour to the park and received lots of positive feedback, featuring in a number of publications.

Items arrive in Tonga
The items that were purchased after the large Tongan dinner that the Garin Vinnies hosted in May of last year as well as donated by parishioners throughout the Nelson Tasman region finally made it to Tonga by container after a long awaited period of time. The following is a note from Sr Joan Marie at the Mission Station which is addressed to the Vinnies but extends to all those who supported the Vinnies with this appeal in one way or another

Dear Philippa and all the young Vinnies Well at last we have received the pallet of boxes you so carefully collected and packed for us. So many beautiful things for the clinic and for schools. I have not unpacked it all yet but opened a few to see the contents and have unpacked the medical supplies and am so grateful to have them all. In the next few days I will unpack the other boxes and decide which school will get what.

May God bless you and your families.
With a grateful heart and prayers
Sister Joan Marie smsm

“Lettuce” continue making a positive difference
The Garin College, Saint Paul’s Vinnies and the Vinnies who assist at the Victory Homework Academy for refugee children have contined to keep busy throughout Term 3. The Garin College Vinnies completed their Pride of Place film and have been working in the Garin College Community Garden growing produce for people in need. The Saint Paul’s Vinnies have been planting and growing lettuces and raspberry bushes for the people in the House 44 community in Stoke. They have also begun a project of cutting fabric squares to be made into quilts for people. Both the Garin Vinnies and Saint Paul’s Vinnies have been learning about the Founders of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Society’s history and the work of the adult Vincentians. For the Victory Vinnies it has been mission complete for the books that the Vinnies and refugee children have been working on together. These will be printed and presented to the refugee children at the end of year Christmas party. The Vinnies fabric painted t.shirts for the refugee pre-schoolers. They had an opportunity to explore the Victory Community Garden and they helped the refugee children to plant lettuces which once grown the refugee families will be able to enjoy.

Blogging facilities on Vinnies website
The local Vinnies website now contains blogging facilities thanks to the help of Chris. You are able to check out what the Vinnies in the region have been up to by going to www.svdp-vinnies.org.nz. Feel free to leave an encouraging comment for the Vinnies.

God bless,
Philippa Winch
SVdP Nelson Area Council Vinnies Youth Coordinator

Hi Everyone, Well here we are once again at the end of another long and productive term!

Magnificent Mosaic Masterpieces
The Vinnies at Garin College and Saint Paul's Primary School have been busy this term creating magnificent mosaic masterpieces for the Tasman District Council Pride of Place project addressing the issue of graffiti vandalism in the area. Each of the Mosaics created depicted a value that these young people feel is important and which the Society of St. Vincent de Paul contribute in various ways to our community. Such values included a hand holding a heart representing contribution and love; balloons representing joy and happiness; a rainbow representing hope; a butterfly representing freedom and a new or better life; a flower representing growth (particularly growth in character through our work as Vinnies) and a sun representing Pride of Place. These mosaics along with two others that haven't quite been completed yet, will go up in the Cambridge Street park in Richmond and will hopefully inspire others as to the important values they are able to contribute to the lives of others. And how does creating mosaics serve to assist in preventing graffiti vandalism in our area? It is believed that the artwork done by other young people is less likely to be tagged as in the case of the Waimea Bus Shelter which was given a makeover by the Waimea College Job Track students last year. Fingers crossed, this will also be the case for our mosaics as well.

Garin College Inspiring Stories Film Project

The Garin College Vinnies are continuing to plod away with their Inspiring Stories Film Project which has also been based around the Tasman District Council Pride of Place project. Here is a couple of sneak peeks at the filming they have been doing...

Peggy-Square Project
During Term two the Nelson Area Council Vinnies launched a community-based Peggy square project. The Peggy squares are being made up into blankets for people in need in our local community and if we get enough support, for people down in Christchurch as well. A huge thanks goes out to the parishioners who have supported this venture through donating wool and knitting needles; to the Richmond St. Vincent de Paul Centre who allowed me to ransack their knitting needle supply and to the keen knitters who who have been busy knitting Peggy-squares for us. A special thanks to Joan O'Neill whose knitting needles have had a huge workout recently with the record number of Peggy-squares she has kindly donated. It is through the efforts of these wonderful people that our first Peggy-square blanket has already been completed. Vinnies from both St. Joseph's School and St. Paul's School are busy knitting Peggy-squares over the holidays including a couple of boys who have been able to amaze us with their talents in this area as well! If you would like to donate wool and knitting needles to this project or would be keen to join in the fun of knitting Peggy squares and require further information, please don't hesitate to contact Philippa either by phone on 544 1973 or by e-mail at philippa@svdp-vinnies.org.nz.

Out of College Vinnies
The Out of College Vinnies have been assisting the refugee children at the Victory Homework Academy with story writing in groups. This exercise has allowed both the Vinnies and refugee children to develop and fine-tune a variety of skills. The objective of this project is to create four books that will be printed in English and the language that particular group of refugee children are most familiar with, which will assist the refugee children and families in developing a grasp of the English language. We have been fortunate to have the assistance and keen interest of a variety of people with this project. One such person is local children's author Amy Brooke, who came to speak to the children towards the end of the term, about her role as a children's writer and to encourage the children to continue to develop their imaginations and creativity. We look forward next term to having local children's book illustrator, Jim Harris, also pay us a visit. The Out of College Vinnies were nominated for the Nelson Voulunteer Youth Awards in June.

Next step in the Garin College Community Garden project...
The Vinnies and other interested people in the community are getting ready to launch the next step in the Garin College Community Garden project. This project will be assisting people on low socio-economic budgets with a variety of skills and resources. With the price of living going up, the recession and natural disasters hitting people hard, we are aware that there are a number of people in our local community who are finding it difficult to make ends meet when it comes to providing food for themselves and their families. You are able to assist with this, through contributing items such as flour, sugar, baking powder, herbs, oil, sauce, preserved fruit, tinned products, rolled oats, salt and pepper to this project. If you have small air-tight containers at home that you no longer need, we will also be accepting these as well. If you are able to help with this project, please don't hesitate to contact Philippa either by phone on 544 1973 or e-mail at philippa@svdp-vinnies.org.nz.

Many thanks to the parish for their continued support. Together with the Vinnies, you are helping to make a positive difference in the lives of others

Saint Paul’s Vinnies – digging deep
The Saint Paul’s Vinnies have once again been busy with the Garin College Community Garden. At the beginning of the term they harvested out of the garden a variety of vegetables including peas, cucumbers, marrows, onions, garlic and Maori potatoes. This produce was donated to the Richmond St. Vincent de Paul Centre to give to people in need in the community. Since then the Vinnies have tackled the task of weeding and in the past week have added more items to the garden which we look forward to being able to cultivate. A big thank you to Margaret Green for her assistance with all of this.

Visiting Relocated Christchurch Residents
The Vinnies were given the mission this term of visiting the many Christchurch residents from Nazareth House which have been relocated to a variety of resthomes in our area. The Saint Paul’s Vinnies visited these residents at Wensley House, Kensington Courts and Wakefield Resthome. They took with them a basket of fruit to give to each of the people visited. Perhaps one of the most memorable people was 101 year old Mr Harte at Wakefield Resthome who in the last few months has survived two large earthquakes and is still going strong. Sr Mary Agatha was another amazing person that we visited – in her 90’s, dressed from head to foot in her black habit and still as sharp as a tack! These people are wonderful examples of the courage and positive spirit that many Cantabrians have upheld during these trying times.

Inspiring Stories National Film Project
The Garin College Vinnies this term were accepted to take part in the Inspiring Stories National Film Project. Three of the Garin Vinnies attended a two-day film-making workshop to hone up on skills needed for the task. The objective of the project being that students are to create a 4 minute film about young kiwis leading positive change in their communities. The Garin College Vinnies have decided to base their film on Vinnies involvement in the Pride of Place project – a Tasman District Council project that addresses the issue of graffiti vandalism in the community. Over the past 8 months the Vinnies have been involved in this project in a number of ways from designing Pride of Place posters and t.shirts to painting a community mural . On Thursday 26 May at St. Peter Chanel School Hall in Motueka the Vinnies are organising a Pride of Place event as part of Youth Week to celebrate the huge amount of work achieved by the various youth organisations working on this project. This event is from 7-9pm – all are welcome.

Mosaics
The Garin College Vinnies have also begun a project of creating mosaics for a local park in Richmond as part of the Pride of Place project. Their mosaics will exhibit the various values that Vinnies uphold. Definitely watch this space!

Out of College Vinnies
The Out of College Vinnies have grown in number this year – we now have 3 home-schooled students, 1 Nelson Girls College student, 1 Waimea College student and 3 Garin College students as part of the team. We have once again taken up the challenge of running a session each week at the Victory Homework Academy for Refugee children. This year the number of refugee children we are working with has also grown to now include two classes.

Leadership Training
At the beginning of April the Garin College Vinnies President, Shevy Oakly, attended a full day’s leadership training as part of the Tomorrow Leaders Today project funded by the Ministry of Youth Development training up leaders of various youth organisations. This training will be followed up with further training days throughout the year as well as involvement in three community projects.

With so much happening for the Vinnies in our local area there is always plenty of opportunities for these young people to put their faith in to action

Hi Everyone,

Well here it is almost Christmas, where has the year gone?! The Vinnies have kept as busy as normal with their various activities over the past little while. Here are some of the things that they have been up to…

Garin College Community Garden
The Garin College Community Garden has had a huge makeover this year. We were given a donation of a garden shed from Our Lady of Perpetual Help to store our tools and other bits and pieces in. A huge thank you to the Church for this generous donation. Talley’s also came to the party with a large donation of mussel shell which we laid as a path between the garden beds. We have grown a number of lettuces, spinach and silverbeet in the garden which we have been able to donate to places such as Richmond St. Vincent de Paul Centre to give out to people in need. We have also just planted some lettuces, potatoes, courgettes and cucumbers so will have a good summer crop coming along.

The St. Vincent de Paul AGM
The Vinnies throughout the region assisted the adult Vincentians in preparing for the National St. Vincent de Paul AGM which was held in Nelson. The Vinnies were given the task of creating gifts for each person coming to the AGM and so set to work painting jars which resembled stained glass windows and had tea-light candles placed inside them. These were placed in each of the guest’s rooms. A group of the Vinnies from St. Joseph’s and Saint Paul’s entertained the adult Vincentians with a song that they sang at the Opening Ceremony and a few of the Garin College Vinnies had lunch with the Youth Co-ordinators from around New Zealand and participated with them in a workshop on leadership.

Altrusa Club Celebrations
Representatives of the Garin College Vinnies were invited to the Altrusa Club’s 30th celebrations. Joey Sauer, President of the Garin College Vinnies attended, along with Nick Pittar. Joey was able to deliver a 2 minute speech to those gathered about the Vinnies and the work that Vinnies do out in the community.

Craft Exhibition
The ‘Out of College’ Vinnies made up of Garin and Waimea College students have continued to run one of the sessions at the Refugee Homework Academy each week. They have been helping the refugee children to make crafts and were able to sell some of these crafts at the SVdP National AGM. The money they earned from this will go towards purchasing Christmas gifts for the refugee children. The ‘Out of College’ Vinnies held a Craft Exhibition on the 24 November at the Victory Community Centre to sell the rest of the crafts that the children have made. Proceeds going to purchase equipment for the Refugee Homework Academy.

Pride of Place Project
The Vinnies at Garin College, Saint Paul’s School and St. Peter Chanel School in Motueka have all contributed to the Pride of Place project that is addressing graffiti vandalism in the community. The Vinnies at these schools all took part in a youth consultation on this topic with their opinions being highlighted in a Jam Magazine article. Since then, we have had a Vinnies group create a Pride of Place poster and t.shirts as well as getting involved with creating a community mural. Well done Vinnies!!!

Thank You
Thank you to all those in the parish who have continued to support the work that the Vinnies do out in the community. Your support means a great deal to these young people.

The Vinnies have had a busy year so far. However before the year entirely disappears, here’s an up-date of just what they have been up to...

Garin College Tongan Dinner
On the 28 May, the Garin College Vinnies put on for the community a Tongan dinner that catered for around 150 people and raised $1000 for a Mission Station in Nuku’alofa. The Garin College Vinnies were fortunate to have the assistance of the Pacific Island Community and others from the community give up their time to help us to put on an authentic Tongan meal. The Pacific Island Community also kept the community entertained through their music and dance. To keep the funds rolling in there was a raffle and Silent Auction with prizes based around this island theme. Cushla and Joseph Hassan shared with all those gathered, their experiences over in Tonga and the Vinnies also put on their own presentation enlightening people as to their work out in the community.
Since this event, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has also donated $1000 to this project and we have had numerous items donated from people in the community. We now have a large number of books able to be sent over as well as tinned food, toys, stationary items, clothes and items of sports equipment. All going well, we will hopefully be able to send these items over to Tonga in a container soon.

Vinnies Radio Programme
On the 26 May, the Garin College Vinnies joined forces with Vinnies from St. Joseph’s and St. Peter Chanel to record a radio programme about the work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and what the Vinnies do out in the community. This programme played on fresh fm during the week of the 7 June. It was a fantastic experience for these young people to be part of and hopefully has served to enlighten listeners as to the huge amount of work that happens behind the scenes in serving people out in the community.

Fr Ray Children’s Village
The Saint. Paul’s Vinnies had the opportunity during Term One to listen to the experiences of James Calt and his family share with us about the relationship they have formed with Fr Ray Children’s Village which they visit once a year when they go over to Thailand. Inspired by this talk, the Saint Paul’s Vinnies decided to take action and during Term two painted pictures for the orphans at this orphanage as well as decorating pencils for them and making books. Students from Saint Paul’s assisted further with this project by holding a stationary appeal. This meant we were able to send over a big box of goodies to these children. We have since heard that the box of stationary items arrived safely, the children had great delight in receiving these and the paintings that the Saint Paul’s Vinnies painted are going to be hung in the office at the orphanage.

Kotuku House
The Saint. Paul’s Vinnies also had great fun painting fabric squares which have gone to make up hug rugs for the people who stay at Kotuku House. This is a house which offers care for people suffering from depression and mental illness. Some of the fabric squares were also sewn on to velvet bags. On Wednesday the 28 July, the Saint. Paul’s Vinnies held a home-baking stall as well as hot dog lunch to raise funds in order to fill these velvet bags with toiletry items for the people of Kotuku House and pay for the cost of sending their parcel of goodies over to the orphans at Fr Ray Children’s Village. This was a hugely successful fundraising event – thanks so much to all those who took up the opportunity of helping out the Vinnies.

Nelson Volunteer Youth Awards 2010
A number of the Vinnies groups were once again nominated for the Nelson Volunteer Youth Awards for 2010 held on Thursday 27 May as part of the international celebration of Youth Week. The Garin College Vinnies were nominated for the award by the Nelson Cancer Society for their huge efforts over past years to support Daffodil day. Other Vinnies groups nominated were the “Out of College” Vinnies for their work running a session at the Refugee Homework Academy once a week; the St. Joseph Vinnies for their involvement in preparing for Relay for Life and their weekly commitment to Meals-on-Wheels and the St. Peter Chanel Vinnies who took out one of the top awards for their work supporting the Motueka Night Shelter as well as other community projects they undertake. Congratulations to all those Vinnies groups represented at this year’s Volunteer Youth Awards.

As for what’s next – watch this space to find out...

Thank You
Thank you to all those in the parish who have supported our work throughout the year especially with our Tongan appeal – your generosity allows us to continue the great work that is being done out there.

Before we get stuck into 2010, here is a quick update on Term 4 2009 which brought to a close a hectic year for the Vinnies in the local area.

Operation Christmas Child
The Saint Paul’s Vinnies kicked off term 4 by running a school wide appeal for Operation Christmas Child.  A number of shoeboxes were filled with the gifts that children in each of the classrooms brought to school. These shoeboxes were then donated to Samaritan’s Purse, a non profit Christian organisation, that distributes the shoeboxes to children in countries less fortunate than our own.

The impact such gifts have on the children that receive them is huge. Many of the stories are displayed on the Samaritan’s Purse website (samaritanspurse.org.nz) and are well worth a read.

Community Garden
The community garden continued to make steady progress. The Vinnies planted silverbeet, lettuce and potatoes in the garden. Unfortunately our peas dug their toes in about their transition and although they did make a good attempt at growing, didn’t come to much. However we were blessed to be donated a number of citrus trees by Thirkette Nurseries which have also been planted in the garden. We would dearly love to have people who have gardening knowledge and are more than happy to share this with the students become involved in this community project. If this sounds like you please give Philippa a call on 544 4360 or e-mail her on philippa@svdp-vinnies.org.nz

Go-Kart
You may recall earlier in the year, how the In-Vince-ables (College-aged male Vinnies group) had created a go-kart out of recycled parts which they entered in the Collingwood Derby Challenge. After much discussion about what the best thing to do with the go-kart would be, it was decided that the go-kart would be donated to the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Organisation. No doubt some lucky grandchildren found it amongst their surprises at Christmas time.

A number of other items were also able to be donated to the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Organisation during Term 4 including clothes, books, toys and even 30 bags of sparkly reindeer food that the Saint. Paul’s Vinnies made up for the grandchildren. It is believed that when the grandchildren made a wish on Christmas Eve and sprinkled the reindeer food on their lawn, it directed the reindeer to their homes. It certainly worked in our household!

Chocolate-Making
The Garin College Vinnies made Christmas chocolates, which they bagged and tied with Christmas ribbon. These were delivered to the residents of Wharemarama Rest-home who were delighted to have a visit from our lovely young Vinnies.

Congratulations
Congratulations goes to Saint Paul’s students Jennifer Armstrong, Iona Mellor, Jessie Webb, Sakara deMello-Norminton, Bellarosa Lynch, Rachel Cunningham, Eliza mcCambridge-Dax and Suzzanah Fisk who passed the bronze level of the Vinnies programme in 2009.

Congratulations must also go to Garin students Emily Lester, Joey Sauer, Charlotte Watkins, Lily Warner and Casey Macadam who also passed bronze accreditation. Well done!

Tsunami Relief
During Term 4, huge devastation was created when a Tsunami hit Samoa and Tonga. The Nelson St. Vincent de Paul Area Council was able to donate $11,000 from our local area. This went into the pool of money that was able to be sent from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in New Zealand of over $200,000. Large containers of food and household items were also sent to the people affected and a builder to help the reconstruction process.

Since then further devastation was caused by an earthquake in Haiti. You are able to help people affected by these natural disasters through your continued support of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and your many prayers for the people of these countries at this time.

Remembering Loved Ones
As we start a new year, we also spare a thought for those who we have lost over the past 18 months, people who gave their time and effort to help others through being involved with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. These people include Theresa O’Conner, Gordon Best, John Goddard, Jim Hallinan and Dulcie Brown. The legacy they have left behind continues to live on. May they rest in peace.

It is on that mixed note that we begin 2010 and another year full of opportunities to help people in need in the community.   

It has been another busy term for the Vinnies with a huge variety of activities taking place.

Garin College Community Garden
During the term, sausage sizzles were held at both Bunnings Warehouse and Raeward Fresh to raise funds for the Garin College Community Garden. These were a great success. The Vinnies were able to raise $300 through this effort.

Vinnies at Saint. Paul’s and Garin College assisted with working on the layout of the garden and planting seeds. On the last day of Term 3, the Garin College Vinnies were able to plant a whole garden bed full of dwarf peas that have grown as a result of this seed planting. We imagine that after the holidays we will have more seedlings ready to be planted.
We have been fortunate that donations towards the garden have kept coming in. These donations have included apple crates from ENZA and coloursteel sheets from Freeman’s Roofing which will go towards creating a few wheelchair-friendly raised garden beds. You are able to keep up-to-date with the progress of the garden by going to www.svdp-vinnies.org.nz. If you are able to assist in anyway please don’t hesitate to let Philippa know either by e-mailing her at philippa@svdp-vinnies.org.nz or phoning 544 4360.

Hug Rugs for the Refugees
Members of the Saint. Paul’s and College Vinnies made hug rugs for the refugees after receiving a request for more from the Nelson Refugee Services, stating that last year’s supply had disappeared with record speed! These hug rugs that many of the Vinnies had gone to great effort to add their personal touch to are a wonderful way for these young people to welcome the refugees to our community. According to local Refugee Services Co-ordinator, Gabrielle Humphreys, “The fact that they are something that the kids made, not just something that someone has gone out and bought has a significant impact. The women come from a background where things are made by hand and appreciate the time and effort that has gone into the rugs.”

Paper Block Making
During Term 3 the Saint. Paul’s Vinnies went on a couple of visits to Garin College to make Paper Blocks out of shredded paper. Once dry these paper bricks will be stored away in a box and given to the St. Vincent de Paul Centres next year to distribute to people in need in the community who have fireplaces.

Annual Garin Vinnies Resthome Concert
On the 7 August the Garin Vinnies once again outdid themselves in a fantastic array of performances for the number of resthome residents invited to their annual Garin Vinnies Resthome Concert followed by afternoon tea. This concert has become a firm favourite among the resthomes with this year producing the largest audience ever.

Daffodil Day Collecting
On the 28 and 29 of August the Garin Vinnies, College Vinnies and In-Vince-ables got out into the community to give the Cancer Society a hand in raising funds for Daffodil day. Earlier in the term Wendy Hope, Manager of the Nelson Cancer Society had come to Garin College to speak at one of the Vinnies meetings in regard to Cancer and the work of the Nelson Cancer Society in assisting those who are battling this sometimes terminal illness. With 1 in every 3 people experiencing Cancer sometime in their life, the statistics are too high for people not to get out there and help in whatever way they can.

Concert for the Stoke Senior Citizens
On the 1 September, Garin College students and members of the College Vinnies conference went to the Stoke Senior Citizens Hall to entertain the many elderly in the community who gather there. From singing and dancing to instrumental pieces, these Vinnies well and truly brightened up the afternoon.

Vinnies Mass
The term finished off with the Vinnies Mass on the 20 September held at St. Francis of Assisi Church. This was a celebration of the lives of Blessed Frederic Ozanam whose memorial day is on the 9 September and Saint Vincent de Paul whose feast day is on the 27 September. Vinnies from the different conferences played a variety of important roles at the mass and followed Mass by serving supper.

As part of the skill-building sessions this term, the Vinnies have been looking at the gift of who they are – their characteristics and strengths and how they can use their own unique talents to help those in need in the community and make a positive difference in the world around them. Through their compassion and selflessness, these young people play an enormous role in our community, they truly are “God’s masterpieces, created in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:10).