The quiet power of service WORDS | BRIDGET WOODHAM
A ngus Sharpe notices people. He instinctively knows when others need help. He sees the challenges that others may overlook. And he chooses to act. Throughout his time at Christ’s College, the Year 12 student has immersed himself in service, always searching for ways to make a difference. It is not something he does because it is expected. It is simply how he sees the world. “I kind of just wanted to help people,” he says. “It feels good to do it.” That same motivation has been guiding Angus since primary school, when he first started to fundraise to benefit others. He recalls wanting to support people whose circumstances were very different from his own. That desire found a fresh focus when, as a teenager, he met Tania Sharr from Fountain of Peace Children’s Foundation NZ. With her encouragement, Angus became a student ambassador and saw more clearly the impact one person could have on many others. Fountain of Peace supports orphaned and abandoned children in Uganda through family based homes within village communities, while also improving access to education, healthcare, and clean water. Inspired by the organisation’s work, Angus organised fundraising initiatives at Christ’s College, including chocolate sales and a movie fundraiser. Those efforts contributed to the construction of a well in Uganda’s Kyenjojo District, providing a community with access to safe drinking water. The experience has reinforced his belief that while one person cannot solve every problem, everyone can choose to make a difference somewhere. His work with Fountain of Peace demonstrated the impact he could have on communities on the other side of the world. It also made Angus realise that there were young people in Christchurch who needed support, too.
“You can’t do everything,” he says, “but you can definitely have a big impact where you live.” That has led Angus to the 180 Degrees Trust, an organisation that supports young people facing educational challenges. It helps them make positive choices, build confidence, and realise their potential. For the past few months, he has been mentoring a 13-year-old boy, helping with schoolwork, technology projects, and practical skills. When Angus reflects on the experience, he focuses less on what he has taught and more on the bond that has developed. It is powerful to see the impact of his efforts on young people, firsthand. Through mentoring, he has discovered that some of the most meaningful ways to help are also the simplest – showing up consistently, giving your time, listening, encouraging someone when they need it, and helping them believe in their potential. His journey reflects what sits at the heart of Christ’s College life. Service is woven through the College experience, with boys encouraged to give their time, talent, and treasure in service of others and to develop a lifelong disposition to serve. It brings the school virtues of compassion, respect, and justice to life beyond the classroom – and the gates. Whether raising funds for a village in Uganda or mentoring a young person in Christchurch, the motivation remains the same. Take note. Step up. And act. In many ways, Angus embodies the best of what service can be – and achieve. He understands that even small acts can have a lasting impact. “People who need help are everywhere, even if you can’t see them,” he says. It’s a simple observation, but perhaps it is also the most powerful lesson in service.
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