College – Issue 40

COMMUNITY & SERVICE Service a win-win for everyone

Service is part of the fabric of Christ’s College. It’s one of our core virtues and essential to who we are. Every year our boys are involved in 30 or more community projects – anything from cutting walking paths through rugged bush on Banks Peninsula, to community gardening, or donating blood. “Service benefits everyone – not just the people we’re helping. We hope that by being involved in service while they’re at school, the boys will take this on into their adult lives. We talk about giving of time, of talent, of treasure. You might not always be able to give all those things, but one aspect might be appropriate at different stages of your life,” says Assistant Principal – Community Engagement and Special Projects Neil Porter. In spite of all of the uncertainty around Covid, the annual Year 10 Service Week was another great success, with 130 boys out in groups helping a wide range of community organisations for six days in November. Most were randomly chosen, but Rolleston House had boys at Spreydon School for three days during Service Week. They will build on this with boys visiting the school regularly throughout 2021. Flower’s House has a longstanding relationship with Ronald McDonald House, with a group of boys visiting after school each week. One of the

The annual Sony Camp is an undeniable highlight on the service calendar, and has proved life changing for many of the student helpers. Launched in 2018, it’s a three day live-in holiday camp for disabled children run by Christ’s College and St Margaret’s College each December. The 2020 camp was another great success. “For many kids attending the camp, it is the first time they’ve ever stayed away from their parents

boys is helping teach French to a girl currently staying there, and there are also plans for a sausage sizzle to raise funds to buy new scooters. Harper House always lends a hand for the Child Cancer Foundation street appeal, and Julius House regularly gardens at disability support and service provider Ho¯ hepa, while Condell’s House is a regular supporter of the Avonside Early Learning Centre.

Christ’s College Canterbury

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