(n.) Soup

The Annual Magazine of the Soup Kitchen Hupa 2014 Contents

Compassion 4 Take Five – Kim 22 Dear Volunteer 6 Take Five – Heng 22 Take Five – Albert 7 Fraser Hoffe Mindscape 23 Take Five – Sr Fina 7 Suzanne Aubert 26 Family of Compassion Endeavour 8 and Canonisation 31 Soup Kitchen Community Garden 9 Soup Kitchen Staff 32 In the Kitchen 10 Before We Knew Them 34 Woman of the Soup Kitchen 11 Take Five – Catherine 34 Take Five – Portia, Zana and Joey 12 Take Five – Dylan 35 Trust in Providence 12 Safety and Security 35 The Soup Hub 13 Street Outreach 36 Feature Artist - Joe Beckett 14 Tangata Whaiora 16 Volunteer Profile - Charlie 17 Annual Report Take Five – Hayden 17 Chairperson’s Review 39 Volunteer Committee Cures Phobia 18 Acting Manager’s Annual Report 40 Take Five – Arama 19 Meal Statistics 43 Take Five – Peter 19 Our Supporters 44 In Memory of: Ways to help 46 Sister Declan 20 Our Guests 20 Sister Margaret 21

2 Magazine by DesignGel Compassion Father Rob Chaplain

We know that our lifetime’s journey is about Maybe the beauty of Another near enemy of compassion is the and uncontrollable encounter with daily steps. What do they say? Every journey sense of being completely overwhelmed. another human person or living creature? begins with a single step. the Compassion Centre Maybe this is “pity for myself.” When Compassion is hands-on. Soup Kitchen, “Soupies,” confronted by a real calamity, it is not unusual When we enter the Compassion Centre to feel poor; it can even be a virtue if the If there are “enemies of compassion,” then Soup Kitchen car park – whether we head is that it enables all of Beatitudes of Jesus are to be believed. But there will be “allies of compassion.” The for the welcoming arms of the waharoa us, whether we be staff what I feel in calamity, is utter powerlessness. Compassion Centre Soup Kitchen enables [carved entrance] as guests, or we head for When terrible things happen nothing I have the “friends,” “allies of compassion” to grow the “goods entrance” as staff or volunteers – or guests, volunteers or inside me or I possess feels that it is going to and flourish. Maybe you can share with us we do so under the gaze of the large mosaic supporters, to have this be of any help. Thus, I don’t see any purpose (via facebook if you wish: www.facebook. on the wall of the word “Compassion” in being involved; all I want to do is keep com/SoupKitchenWellington) the attitudes, beside the portrait of Suzanne Aubert, connectedness. my distance. Distance and a sense of not actions, reflections and insights which enable Founder of the Daughters of Our Lady being able to cope can become an “enemy Compassion to be more and more a fabric of Compassion. As we step along life’s journey there of compassion.” A sense of solidarity with all of our lives and meaning, here at Soupies are some things that might disable our that is human is enabling when this enemy of and in every dimension of our lives. The artist gifted this image to us using many compassion. These things become, as it compassion inflicts itself upon us. small “C”s together with silhouettes of the were “enemies of Compassion.” Pity is one Maybe a gift of the Suzanne Aubert Sisters. It reminds us that for each of us our enemy. “I am sitting over here and you are Would “whatever!” be an enemy of Compassion Centre – Te piringa te manaaki journey of life is made up of little “C’s”... sitting over there; I, the helper, am looking compassion?! “O yeah...whatever...it’s your o Meri Hohepa – is that it asks us to step “little Compassions” ... little steps. It is said at you, the one in need of help. I am feeling life.” This “enemy” has us become spectators daily in a compassionate way whatever that real Compassion needs relationship, sorry for you, you with your problems and of life, maybe possessing lots of words and and wherever the journey of life takes us – connectedness with those who, for whatever the mess you’ve got yourself into.” When opinions, but basically having no involvement knowing that we are never alone and the reason, bear some of the “wounds of life.” I am compassionate, my heart goes out with others. Looking from a distance. journey is never without purpose. We are All of us in some time or place in our lives spontaneously and I suffer with the other. I Compassion urges us to be involved in the given the opportunity to care. Let’s treasure are touched by suffering; these moments do not keep my distance and my primary fabric of life. Whatever “garment” is worn, this taonga. need the immediacy of someone who stands goal is not to assign blame or to solve compassion is a “no” to “whatever.” Maybe alongside of us, feeling the pain with us: (though some discernment about underlying technology is diminishing our compassion, “suffering with.” Without real relationship, motives may be necessary). The image of as it can present us with life at a distance, compassion cannot flourish. Compassion compassion is two people sitting side by side, life controllable...click on/off. Is compassion requires a solidarity of the heart. gazing together at the pain or the trouble of possible in a controlled world? Or does the wound. compassion require the uncontrolled

4 5 Take Five Take Five Dear Volunteer with Albert with Sr Fina Pip Ben Shimol Centre Administrator Guest Staff

You may have been volunteering in We know you all give your time and is not always a chocolate bar at the end of What is your favourite spot in the What is your favourite spot in the whole world? the dining room for years, or have just energy for a variety of reasons, but always the shift as a way of thanks – sometimes the whole world? completed your training and joined the come together for a common goal - to staff got to them earlier! Sunset on the horizon at my village’s beach – the blow holes roster. You may help at the community support those in need to live with dignity . in Tonga. gardens, rain, hail or shine; weeding, in the community. And that’s when the You may be on the on-call list... and just love planting and chatting, even with just a magic happens! You ensure our guests receiving those texts looking for a volunteer If you had a million dollars what If you had a million dollars what would you do? couple of guests. Maybe you collect bread enjoy their meal in a friendly, inviting, safe for a shift, or you may be steadfast in your would you do? from the supermarket during the quiet hour environment. We hear you have a short but commitment to a regular shift. We need Take a world trip, most especially Bethlehem – the birthplace of of a morning so that it is at the Soup Kitchen meaningful conversation with a guest, and we you all. See who I could help out. Jesus, then give the rest to the Sisters of Compassion’s mission work. in time for breakfast and distribution to know that that has been important for them. other communities. Or perhaps you come to You encourage guests who share an interest There are apparently several “A“ teams on If you could have dinner with 3 people If you could have dinner with 3 people dead or alive, the soup hub and help a guest learn how to in a new hobby, have just moved into a new the roster, (all self-named and nominated!) dead or alive, who would you choose who would you choose and what would the meal be? use Facebook to connect with family, drive whare, or are going through a rough patch. and that sense of pride comes through in and what would the meal be? seniors to a monthly Gathering – or are the your work... and it is work you do, not to be My mother, an elderly friend in Tonga and then a male or female entertainer at that Gathering! You bring intelligence, a connection with our underestimated, because while we call you Roast meal, any of my friends from the guest from the Soup Kitchen. Three different dishes for my friends mission, and an ability to keep learning about volunteers, we both invest in this relationship Soup Kitchen. and I would have cooked fish with coconut cream and we all share. You could be a collector for us during our our guests and issues they face without we have. You give your time, energy, sense of Food Day or Street Day appeal. Some of standing back and judging them. You have humour, yourself and your unique view on What are the most important What are the most important qualities you look for you enquired about volunteering because real compassion for our guests (and the the world. The greatness of the Soup Kitchen qualities you look for in friends? in friends? of a family connection with the Sisters of Centre) and get to know them and their is greater than the sum of all its participants... Compassion. We know you come from interests... asking earnestly after them if they Listening, openness and giving back. Honesty, absolutely positive attitude and a good sense of humour. all corners of the earth (and greater are not around for a while. Thank you. !) and have more often than not What do you enjoy about coming to What is your favourite quote or philosophy on life? been on our waiting list for a while, and You understand our guests have stories to the Soup Kitchen? when you did attend a training session tell of interesting lives, individual talents, skills Do to others what I want done to me. you participated with enthusiasm and and qualifications. It’s guaranteed we will It’s all good. genuine interest. hear your feedback on the meal served and comments passed on from guests... and there

6 7 Soup Kitchen Community Garden Mokai Kainga

This year has seen considerable change in large bed of garlic looking healthy, plus broad would like to thank Robert Te Whare for his The Family of Compassion Endeavour the Soup Kitchen’s garden at Mokai Kainga, beans and lots of silver beet which grows great support to the Soup Kitchen garden. the community garden in Happy Valley Road. brilliantly. We have planted new potatoes Robert comes every week to the Soup Sister Christina, who was instrumental in and lettuces for the summer and will soon Kitchen to pick up those who are going to Our Lady’s Home Compassion St ’s Home Suzanne Aubert setting up the garden, moved to Jerusalem be putting in runner beans, and tomatoes. the garden and provides breakfast and lunch of Compassion Housing of Compassion Compassion Centre up the River and there was a We also hope to take advantage of our before taking them back to Tory Street. major change in the people involved with knowledge of what has grown well and

the garden. combine it with more input from the kitchen The garden was supported during 2014

staff. With the weather warming up we hope by The Wellington Community Trust, Bata Our Lady’s Home of As a charitable organisation St Joseph’s Home of At the Suzanne Aubert For most of this year, Ross and Jane have that there will be more guests wanting to Shoes, Recreation Association Compassion is part of our of the Sisters of Compassion, Compassion in Heretaunga, Compassion Centre – or the been the volunteers who have worked in spend time in this peaceful space. Finally we and other generous donations. Home of Compassion Compassion Housing is Upper Hutt provides rest ‘Soup Kitchen’ as it is best the garden on Monday mornings. Brian has complex, our congregation dedicated to respecting the home, hospital, dementia, known – in central Wellington, contributed every week and takes charge headquarters and services in dignity of older people by: respite and day care for those we support people who are of the compost for the beds, processing the Island Bay, Wellington. who need it, regardless of their marginalised in our community food and vegetable scraps that come from • Offering quality housing religious persuasion. to live with dignity. the Soup Kitchen. Many others have also Island Bay is the oasis of a that’s comfortable and contributed, but most evident is the colourful monastery within an urban affordable work of Reg who has created and painted setting providing a place of signs for the shed and the vegetable beds. physical retreat for those who • Respecting their right to need it, a centre of religious independence retreat, a place of personal We are about to start a prayer and reflection, a meeting • Offering friendship, place and a place of pilgrimage. encouragement and helping new phase with several It meets the needs of many them live active lives new volunteers who will in today’s fast paced and demanding life. • Offering advocacy for contribute their time and access to healthcare, social expertise to the garden. and government assistance We have increased the size and number of • Encouraging those with ill the beds during the year and have learnt a health to seek and obtain lot about what grows best and what is most appropriate care useful for the kitchen. Currently there is a Jane and Brian at the Soup Kitchen Community Garden

8 9 In the Kitchen Paul McKerracher Kitchen Manager

These shopping lists are on average, what some different meats which normally would we use on any given week to provide be unaffordable to us at the Soup Kitchen breakfast and dinner to our guests like: Venison, Beef Cheek, Pork Belly & Pork (approximately100 meals a day). There is Loin. These have all appeared on the menu not really a lot on these lists and we are this year, thanks to Matt at BidVest who has Women of very reliant on the amazing generosity of done a supreme of looking after us. the community in regards to donations, both monetary and physical on a daily basis. Thanks to the amazing response to our the Soup Kitchen Without the donations it would simply be appeal for Milo and coffee. We now have Heather impossible to provide our guest the variety a Milo Mountain, and lots of coffee in our On the Shopping List that we are currently able to. stores! Every little bit helps, and without the generosity of you, all our jobs in the kitchen What do you like about the Soup Kitchen? We have been fortunate in the last year would be that little bit harder and the meals VEGIES MEAT to have the continued support of BidVest, a little less interesting. 100kg Agria 10kg Mince Pip: All of the people; staff, clients, cooks, Father Rob. who have looked after us to a fantastic How the Soup Kitchen thinks about its mission and degree. We have been able to provide Big Ups from the Kitchen Staff! Potatoes 10kg Diced Beef values for all interactions. 20kg Carrots 10kg Sausages Areta: Cheap meals. Close to city. Great cooks. Good staff; both voluntary and official. Food is nice. 10kg Onions 20kg Pork Shoulder Portia: Anyone can walk in and no questions asked. 8 Cabbages 10kg Chicken Breast Appreciate people who walk in. Very friendly. Polite volunteers. Fellowship amongst people. 6 Celery Angela: Enjoys the people. 5kg Courgettes DAIRY 1Box Mushrooms 24-30 2L Blue Top Milk What is your favourite meal? 5kg Leeks 4kg Margarine Pork Belly, Chicken, Curried Sausages and Pasta.

6 Pumpkins What are the issues the Soup Kitchen can 1kg Garlic (Peeled) improve upon?

10kg Red Kumara Heather: Respect personal space of females. Areta: Newspaper not to be separated. Portia: Men not going into Ladies toilet!

10 11 The Soup Hub A cheerful giver Take Five Trust in Sister Aubert would be pleased, with the Today we live in the ‘Information Age’ and so with Portia, Zana and Joey Providence Soup Hub where some would say that her our social needs have changed. If we want to visionary as her work of providing for the partake in modern society a lot of what we Guests Sr Josefa needy continues today. must do via the internet – whether for social, business or academic reasons. It is therefore The more things change the more they stay most gratifying that the Soup Kitchen has What is your favourite spot in the whole world? Mother Aubert has left us her legacy – We have a responsibility of stewardship. the same. From the soup kitchen to the wisely established the Soup Hub in order her faith and trust in Divine Providence. Stewardship is a way of living – we soup hub, giving free internet access to those to continue Sister Auberts mission with its No place like home. Providence has a wide range, so to speak. appreciate and acknowledge the giver, we who can not afford it for themselves is no underlying principle…“Each one must give as The Centre has been blessed with the take care of what is given, and we share this different than providing soup and bread to he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or If you had a million dollars what would you do? goodness and generosity of the people with those who are in need. When we care hungry stomachs who can’t afford to feed under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful of Wellington and I am continually for each other we make the world a better themselves. In Wellington, Sister Aubert giver” 2 Cor 9:7. Donate some. overwhelmed by the goodness and place to live. established a home for people with incurable graciousness of God and His gifts – the illness, the sick and infirm, a training hospital So it is with much thanks and best wishes If you could have dinner with 3 people dead or alive, who would you staff I work with, volunteers, friends and I put my trust in the Lord and he has for her nursing sisters, an orphanage and from the ‘users’ of the Soup Hub to the staff choose and what would the meal be? supporters. We are truly blessed, sharing not failed me. crèche – and of course ‘The Soup Kitchen’. and especially the volunteers for the giving their gifts and keeping our mission alive These ‘systems’ fulfilled the social needs of freely of their time and efforts in making the Kafka, Nelson Mandela and Rabindranath Tagore. The meal would be spaghetti. and meaningful. “In everything whether “In everything whether the day and filled the gaps in community Soup Hub an internet friendly social nexus. temporal or spiritual let us do our part and services until the advent of the Welfare What are the most important qualities you look for in friends? let God do his, and let us remain in peace.” temporal or spiritual let State and Public Health systems. Thanks Suzanne Aubert. Suzanne Aubert. us do our part and let Trustworthiness, companionship and loyalty. The future is a challenge. Our sisters are God do his, and let us What is your favourite quote or philosophy on life? ageing, but need is always with us. We remain in peace.” need to live in the present with its joy and difficulties, but the future should always Tomorrow is always another day. Suzanne Aubert. beckon us. The future is not significant What do you enjoy about coming to the Soup Kitchen? because we idealistically hope that things may get better – for they may in fact get The fact that anyone can walk in and have a meal. worse. Rather, the future should beckon us because God, who processes the future, will be ahead of us with new grace, opportunity and hope.

12 13 Feature Artist: Joe Beckett

Joe Beckett is an artist and caricaturist who has been a regular guest at the Soup Kitchen. He has lived and worked in Australia and New Zealand. Thanks to Joe for kindly allowing us to reproduce these images.

14 15 Tangata Whaiora Service Users’ group Take Five The Tangata Wahiora group has welcomed As well as their regular meetings and a number of new members in 2014, and has feedback to staff, group members also with Hayden had a busy year supporting both guests and volunteered their time to set up and Guest staff at the Soup Kitchen. TW members meet decorate for this year’s Matariki celebrations monthly to discuss any issues facing guests – a hugely successful event. In December, and look for ways to enhance participation TW will be on the ladders again ensuring Volunteer What is your favourite spot in the What is your favourite quote or and wellbeing. The group acts as a valuable that the dining room is fully decked out for whole world? philosophy on life? communication channel between staff and Christmas. guests, advocating for guests and ensuring Profile My hometown, nothing like being home :) Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. that any concerns and issues are brought to Soup Kitchen staff would like to take this the table and heard. opportunity to thank the Tangata Whaiora Charlie If you had a million dollars what What do you enjoy about coming to members for their ongoing work and would you do? the Soup Kitchen? This year, emergency preparedness has dedication, and their commitment to our Charlie has volunteered at the Soup continued to be a key topic of discussions. shared mission: to support people in need Kitchen for one year, and is a senior student Buy a feed and put the rest in my savings. I am treated like family here no matter what A priority for the group is ensuring to live with dignity in the community. at school. I do, everytime I walk through the doors. All I vulnerable guests have access to information If you could have dinner with 3 people feel is love and compassion. and support in the event of a major dead or alive, who would you choose When I first signed up for the soup kitchen disaster. In keeping with TW’s practical and what the meal be? I didn’t know what to expect, but as soon as focus, members are looking at undertaking my first shift started, I was welcomed in by emergency preparedness training, run by the other volunteers and my guardian angel My Nan, there’s nothing like her fried bread. Wellington Region Emergency Management Graham, which made this new experience Michael Jackson’s having bacon & eggs lol, Office (WREMO). a lot less daunting for me. And it wasn’t just wanna learn the moonwalk properly lol. My the other volunteers who were great but daughter, nothing like being home and having Priorities for 2015 include also the guests who are always friendly and a meal with her no matter what the food is. appreciative. linking up with other What are the most important qualities you look for in friends? service-user groups, and “I’ve learned a lot over this sourcing funding for guest year and am hoping I can Nothing more than respect. emergency kits. help again next year.”

Father Rob, Chris, Toby, Antz, Heather, Don (absent Gary, Nick)

16 17 Volunteer Committee cures phobia Rachel Take Five Take Five with Arama with Peter I’ve always been a little bit scared of ‘Expressions of Interest’ were sought committees. Apparently this type of fear/ earlier this year from volunteers keen to join Volunteer Guest phobia is quite rare, because I tried the Committee and we kicked off with our googling the official term for it – and it first meeting. turns out there isn’t one. But I digress. In What is your favourite spot in the whole world? What is your favourite spot in the whole world? 2014 I conquered my fear of committees After some discussion at that meeting, (which there really should be a word for, a number of objectives were set for Jerusalem up the Whanganui River. Radha Kunda, the most sacred spot in the whole universe. just by the way) and became part of the the Committee: to provide a neutral newly launched Soup Kitchen Volunteer environment where volunteers can raise If you had a million dollars what would you do? If you had a million dollars what would you do? Committee. The idea of a ‘Volunteer ideas or concerns; to provide a forum for Committee’ was borne from the desire of developing the role of volunteers within I would use the million dollars to fund breakfast, clothing and Buy a house, go to Mayapura, northwest of Kolkatta and Radha Soup Kitchen management to ensure that the Soup Kitchen (for example, fundraising, educational resources in low decile schools and in low socio- Kunda (a lake) Vrndavana on the Jamuna River. the best use is made of the many and varied outreach, community engagement); economic areas. skills that volunteers bring to the Soup suggesting training ideas for volunteers; and The social side of things was an immediate If you could have dinner with 3 people dead or alive, who would you choose and what would the meal be? Kitchen, and to facilitate the development developing the ‘social’ aspect of volunteering priority for the Committee, particularly given If you could have dinner with 3 people dead or alive, of those skills for the benefit of the at the Soup Kitchen. that there had not been a ‘volunteer event’ who would you choose and what would the meal be? organisation and our guests. for quite some time. A pub quiz was decided My missus (from Viti Levu), my nephew SM Prahlada and my on – and then the hard work started! A I would have dinner with my friend Nikau, my grandma Sia and goddaughter Lalita. sterling effort was put in by members of Father Rob. The meal would be roast lamb, roast potatoes, kumara, the Volunteer Committee – not to mention pumpkin and gravy. My meal would be lacto vegetarian, Hare Krishna prasadam. the lovely Jessie Dennis – to organise the event in what was a reasonably tight What are the most important qualities you look for What are the most important qualities you look for timeframe. Frances Fanning in particular in friends? in friends? was instrumental in helping obtain a heavily discounted venue and a number of the That they’re able to listen and trust. Truthfulness, loyalty and devoted to Hare Krishna. evening’s prizes. The end result was a really enjoyable night, attended by more than What is your favourite quote or philosophy on life? What is your favourite quote or philosophy on life? 70 people. The fact that I had fun despite my team coming second to last really says Kaore te kumara e korero ana mo tana reka - The kumara doesn’t Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you. something (on top of my committee phobia, talk about it’s sweetness (A lesson in humility). I have some issues with competitiveness). What do you enjoy most about coming to the What do you enjoy most about coming to the Soup Kitchen? The Volunteer Committee is now looking Soup Kitchen? forward to 2015 and has started discussing Christian Fellowship, God’s economy, regular routine and possible events for early in the New Year. I enjoy experiencing what it is like to suffer with someone else everything inbetween. Watch this space! (i.e. show compassion), whether it be serving the guests tea, coffee or bread, or conversing with the guest and fellow volunteers.

18 19 Sister Margaret Mary Murphy 4 May 1950 – 29 December 2013

By Sister Margaret Anne

In Memory of: Sister Margaret Mary was well known in noted this particularly around Christmas be the least! These include the children I Wellington City. For fifteen years she worked time. She never got use to the miracle of have taught, the old people I have nursed, Sister Declan at the Suzanne Aubert Compassion Centre, the gifts given by the generosity of people. the young people with disabilities who 30 May 1924 – 18 October 2014 and as manager for eight years. Throughout She saw in action her favourite quote from have been so much part of my life, the her time at Compassion Centre, Sister the Scriptures: “Whatever you do to one of marginalized people of Wellington's inner By Sister Annette Margaret Mary saw many changes, including these, the least of my sisters or brothers, you city. They are God's gift, they who call forth the move in 1999 from Sussex Street to the do to Me” (Matt 25.40). the compassion of Jesus in me. What a gift! current building on Tory Street. What a life! How could I want any other?” Sister Declan brings to mind so many on the tables and in the mornings giving After her sabbatical year Sister Margaret memories of the Sussex Street Soup out clothing to those that needed items, Sister Margaret Mary often commented Mary went to Jerusalem on the Whanganui May she rest in peace. Kitchen as that is the time I lived in the same often trying to persuade them to smarten that - “The loveliest memories are often very River where she was a regular volunteer at community, from 1990 - 2000. She was such up. Robert’s boots had the soles lifting and simple things. Its people coming back to tell the school at Ranana and it is in this role a generous and loyal Sister and I was grateful the socks well worn. He asked for socks and you they have a job, after they’ve been at the that she was one of the principle actors for the wonderful way she would remind when she handed him a pair he said he Soup Kitchen and were known there. Some in the film How Far is Heaven? a documen- me about so many details about friends and only needed one as the other was not come in and make donations. Those things tary about the Sisters and people living in benefactors, the people who came to the worn out yet. are really significant – when you see such a Jerusalem. Soup Kitchen and the people she visited, as change in people’s lives.” well as meal times when I was engrossed The men had a great respect and fondness Sister Margaret Mary’s position as the with what I was doing and forgot the time. for her, and as with some of our past older She was a great encourager and enabled Pastoral Care person at St Joseph’s Home Sisters, looked on her as a mother figure. many young people to become volunteers of Compassion Heretaunga was a role As soon as Sister Declan came to Sussex Sister Declan was a loyal Aussie, open, and she affirmed the many volunteers who she also cherished and developed. A quote Street she was quick to look for more to do honest and down to earth. She loved her had been volunteering for 20 years or from Sister Margaret Mary is an between the Soup Kitchen meal times, so country and her family, but was happy to be more. She found that the volunteers were a appropriate conclusion. she rang Age Concern to find out if there where God had called her. wonderful example of faithfulness and loyalty were any elderly people nearby who needed to the mission of the Compassion Centre “Gratitude grows in my heart. Gratitude to a visit. She became friends with several After using her talents for mission in New and to the guests. Sister Margaret Mary those who have journeyed with me. Most including Nancy, an old lady living on her Zealand it was lovely that she was able to appreciated the goodness in people and she particularly to those, so often judged to own in the middle of the city, who was most spend the last years working in her own ungracious, had no family or friends, swore country. like a trooper and hated Catholics (Declan wore her veil then). Declan persevered May she rest in peace. Our Guests with Nancy and became her only friend and “Why are we troubled at the approach of death? If we had only to pass out of this the only person she would trust to look at We reflect on our memories of Brad Russell, world without going to something better, though this world is worth very little, we her mail and handle her money, although Robert Burrows, Jimmy Leech and Clarke she kept up the colourful language. Every McCulloch, guests of the Soup Kitchen who might regret it, but we pass away to go to our Father and return to the paternal home.” morning and evening Declan was serving passed away during the year. Suzanne Aubert

20 21 Take Five Take Five Mindscape with Kim with Heng Artwork by Fraser Hoffe

Guest Assistant Chef Fraser Hoffe

What is your favourite spot in the whole world? What is your favourite spot in the whole world? I’d given up, I couldn’t handle the boarding to me, and went to Vincents art work shop Today there are laws to prevent parental house lifestyle anymore.The drugs, violence, as often as I could. I had an exhibition at abuse and forced ignorance.When Oriental Bay beach, Wellington. Italy, because of the history, architecture and spiritual cops, constant moving and the worst Vincents Gallery. I just kept telling myself unemployment became an illness all I had aspects. And I like Italian fashion! affliction of all, long term unemployment, I’m “Cover those walls”. was a benefit and all I lost was myself, which If you had a million dollars what would you do? talking twenty years plus. is every thing to me and the society I am If you had a million dollars what would you do? In 2010 I went to Rio in Brazil with the New part of. Buy a nice family home and donate to charity. Seven years ago my benefit was cut. Sleeping Zealand homeless world cup foot ball team. I would share it with people – I’d give it all away. out in Auckland was not an option, too Unfortunately New Zealand has not since Please if you have the power and will to If you could have dinner with 3 people dead or alive, rough. I returned to my birth city, Wellington, sent another team to this great tournament prevent this illness of hopelessness from who would you choose and what would the meal be? If you could have dinner with 3 people dead or with my tent and stuff I needed to survive, held every year at a different place all over happening to anyone else, think of us the lost alive, who would you choose and what would then started to live in the town belt. the world. I’d love to do it again as a coach and forgotten and I will thank you. Long live Three disabled people because I use to work with disabled people the meal be? or manager. Social sport is a fantastic way compassion. in the past. They can have what they want, but I know that roast People did offer me help, streeties, night to form friendships, trust and co-operation dinners are special. I would have dinner with three people who needed shelter residents, the Sisters of Compassion with others who survive the global problem I regularly have art for sale at Roar gallery, it most. I would let my guests choose what they at the Soup Kitchen, but I didn’t believe of poverty and lack of access to affordable, Vincents exhibitions and Academy of Fine What are the most important qualities you look for would enjoy. them, I was friends to everyone and trusted meaningful education. Arts. During November I had my first solo in friends? no-one. The Council left eviction notices at show at In Good Company Space Gallery What are the most important qualities you look my camp site. I ignored them then one night Now, I believe long term unemployment on Cuba Street. I am the only Fraser Hoffe in Honesty, truthfulness and being friendly. for in friends? everything was gone. I felt relieved I had no caused me misunderstood brain damage. Google-land so I’m easy to find, with lots of choice, a feeling I was used to. Then I asked No one should feel useless and isolated from info about my career so far. What is your favourite quote or philosophy on life? Honesty and open-heartedenss. When people are open- the Home of Compassion for help. society for more then six months. I have hearted, love teaches you everything. convinced myself that surviving over twenty Spending quality time with my husband and family, they are I was placed into Easy Access Housing, I was years unemployment is an achievement number one to me. What is your favourite quote or philosophy surprised at their urgency. For the first time only if extreme social isolation is prevented on life? since I was fifteen people were making sure from happening to anyone else. Education What do you enjoy about coming to the Soup Kitchen? I was ok, I had a future. It was a slow, gradual is prevention, opportunity is the result. As a You get what you give. process of realisation. Many times I doubted teenager I fell through the gaping cracks. I love the food, enjoying the different meals and it is a the process I was going through, eventually I First my parents prevented me from good experience. What do you enjoy about coming to the got results, a permanent secure Council flat. completing school. I opposed my parents’ Soup Kitchen? choice, I told my school this decision is not I had a home somewhere I could be myself. what I wanted. The school was powerless Sharing things, learning from people. You never Throughout this time I played street football and I was forced into a life of poverty, stop learning. with others who had similar experiences illness, and welfare dependence.

22 23 “I gave my art work Mindscape to the Home of Compassion because I wanted to show, despite my negative experiences, there is a positive outcome.The colour and vitality of it is a reflection of my life now and in the future, colourful and innovative.”

Fraser Hoffe

Artworks on display at In Good Company Space Fraser with his artwork Mindscape, that he has donated to the Soup Kitchen. Gallery on Cuba Street in November. Photos by Peanutbuttervibes.

24 25 the convent of the Sisters of Mercy. Several Ma-ori women joined them and Suzanne Aubert (or Sister Mary Joseph as she Suzanne Aubert became known) attained such good mana with the Ma-ori people they gave her the (became known as Sister Mary Joseph) affectionate title ‘Meri’. A Ma-ori sister called Peata accompanied her everywhere and Sister Rita Hickey DOLC taught her much about their people and their legends. It was possibly from Peata that Mother Aubert was introduced to Ma- Born in the French village of St. Symphorien- - “You will go to the missions within two - “You will have many troubles and these will ori medicines. de-laye, near Lyons, on 19 June 1835, as years with a relative of one who is now with continue all your life. Your work will expand a child Suzanne Aubert was seriously you at Ars.” (Antoine Pompallier, nephew of after your death.” (Without doubt, she Eventually, financial difficulties led to the injured after falling through the surface of Bishop Pampallier, was then with her at Ars). would have believed firmly that the work of closure of the congregation, and Mother a frozen pond. She was left crippled and the Order of the Daughters of Our Lady Aubert struggled alone to maintain nearly blind for several years, during which - “You will begin a work there and it will of Compassion, founded by her and formally the orphanage school. It was a time of time her mother took her to various rest fall down. After many years you will build recognized in her old age, would continue disillusionment, ill-health and exhaustion for and exercise cures around . Mother it up again, but it will again fall down.” (She to expand after her death - as it has in her. Worsening race-relations in Auckland Aubert attributed her recovery both to was convinced this referred to her work fact done). and difficulties dealing with the church prayer and to the skill of the physicians in Auckland, where her initial efforts were hierarchy eventually gave her the impetus who treated her. As historian Jessie Munro unsuccessful, and a later foundation also ran Finding it impossible to overcome her to leave the city, at the invitation of a Marist points out: “This combination of religious into difficulties after 6 years). father’s opposition to her vocation, Suzanne priest, and travel to Meanee in Hawkes Bay conviction and practical action would Aubert fled from her home and joined a early in 1871 to help with the mission there. characterise Suzanne Aubert for the rest of - “Oh my child, how many different group of missionaries under the leadership The following 12 years of her life according her life.” crosses and trials await you in life! You will of Bishop Pompallier bound for New to Suzanne Aubert were the happiest of be in conflict with the highest ecclesiastical Zealand. They arrived in Auckland on 30 her life. She was naturally talented and studied music, authorities. You will travel to when December 1860, with the intention of languages and drawing before learning to you are old because of these troubles, but working with the Ma-ori people. During She began experimenting nurse with the Daughters of St. Vincent de whatever they do to you, whatever happens, the passage they had been taught the Paul. She attended a full course in Medicine whatever anyone will say to you, never Ma-ori language but, surprisingly, not a word with medicine, developing at the faculty of Lyons, although she was never give way, never let go, take courage, of English. her own herbal remedies barred because of her sex from sitting a courage, courage.” (This remembered degree. Rejecting the marriage her parents prophesy lies behind Mother Aubert’s On arrival, Suzanne Aubert and the three drawing on traditional had planned for her, Suzanne Aubert placed solitary journey, taken on her own initiative, young French women who accompanied her Ma-ori medicine as well herself under the spiritual direction of St. to Rome in 1913). stayed with the Sisters of Mercy. Suzanne John Marie Vianney the revered, ‘Cure d’ Ars’, Aubert was given the task of teaching music as her own nursing and visiting him a number of times. He fostered - “I will help you more by my death than and sewing to the ‘white’ pupils, but she botanical background. her vocation to do missionary work and by my life.”(Her parents’ absence at the objected strongly, maintaining that “it was for - foretold her future career. Jessie Munro, in anniversary of the death of the Cure d’ Ars the salvation of the Maoris that I came and She gradually gained recognition from the New Zealand and the French; Two Centuries in 1860 allowed her to slip quietly away if I cannot work for them, I shall go home doctors of the region who grew to trust of Contact , quotes the ’s prophecies, and from home for , and thence to Le Havre again!” Subsequently, Bishop Pompallier gave her treatments and ‘cures’ completely. One - the interpretations Suzanne Aubert would to wait for the boat which would take her to the ‘French Sisters’ sole charge of a Maori Hastings doctor encouraged her greatly in later give them: New Zealand). girls’ boarding school on a property adjoining her experiments and helped her work out

26 27 various formulae. People who knew her in out of him. Help him to be a good Ma-ori, whole curriculum. Life was very hard and the there were forty-five children...” Her life those days recalled her appearance - a plain and a true Christian before all. But be sure Sisters were poor. But the church was built, from this time onwards involved much grey frock with ample skirt, a cape that came to let him stay Ma-ori!” a school was opened and in two whare she dealing with Government departments and to her waist and a straw hat of the broad looked after people with incurable diseases. officialdom and she is now recognised as brimmed sailor type, swathed with grey. She As well as becoming, in effect, New Zealand’s Her father back in France was now dead. one of the pioneers of New Zealand’s social also wore a pair of large pockets in which first district nurse, Mother Aubert devoted With her inheritance she bought a farm and welfare system. she carried her prayer books and usually a much energy to writing a Ma-ori planted it with fruit trees, especially cherries large chunk of bread and cheese. She learnt and a dictionary phrase book of the Ma-ori sent from France. In1884 it became evident that the Sisters to recognize every species of leaf and plant, language. In 1883, aged 48, she was asked to of St. Joseph of Nazareth who had travelled and subsequently discovered their curative accompany a priest – Father Soulas – and “And then one of the major changes in her to Jerusalem with Mother Aubert would properties. (Mother Aubert would always three Sisters of St. Joseph to the mission life occurred. The 1880s and early 1890s not be staying on, as conditions were too try the remedies on herself first before at Hiruharama, or Jerusalem, beside the were years of great economic depression severe and they were too isolated from administering them to any patients.) Whanganui River. Without formal farewells in New Zealand. Before the establishment their Community. Father Soulas could not or fuss of any kind, as was her custom of a Social Welfare system, families suffered bear the thought of losing his teachers and She became well-known Mother Aubert slipped away from Meanee, badly. Children were often ill and sometimes consulted the Bishop who replied early passing through the Manawatu Gorge on July abandoned. The double standard of Victorian in May, 1884, authorizing him to receive in Hawkes Bay to both 2, the Feast of the Visitation. Jessie Munro morality punished pregnant girls severely; postulants for the Third Order Regular of Ma-ori and Pa-ke-ha writes of Mother Aubert’s life in Jerusalem: there was little support for either them or Mary at Jerusalem. It was up to Suzanne to “Again her time was busy with medicine and their babies. The community at Jerusalem find young women willing to continue her communities, Catholic and with education for which she compiled a began to take these babies in. By 1897 work. “If this is the Will of God that I am to non-Catholic alike. She get helpers, He will send them,” she said, “if attached to a shearing gang deliberately became known throughout the country, it is not His will, then it is not mine either.” set it alight, although the charge of arson was with many public figures endorsing the avoided disputes regarding dismissed by the Civil Court at Wanganui. remedies.The Society of Mary administration differences of religion or In August the first two women to join the The only witnesses were Ma-ori and their in France did not see this group of Sisters in Institute arrived at Jerusalem – Sisters Anne evidence was not called. New Zealand as conforming to their charism. politics, but would respond and Bridget – followed in November by So Archbishop Redwood named them a whenever she came across Sister Carmel. Mother Aubert later referred The day after the fire, during the tangi over diocesan congregation, the Daughters of to the three nuns as ‘The A.B.C. of the the church, Mother Aubert told Father Our Lady of Compassion. acts of injustice or greed. Order’. She first put on the habit, herself, Soulas she would collect money to rebuild. early in 1885, at which time her three The foundation of the Congregation dates Mother Aubert was aware of ministers of followers made their initial vows in the She toured the country from 1892. During this year, a new convent religion who ‘while directing their eyes to Third Order. was built and, to cater for the growing heaven, stole the ground from under the - - for over a year with a number of children in care, a generous Maori’s feet’. She would write to the To support the struggling Maori mission, in companion raising funds benefactor made the building of a separate Governor or others in power to protest. 1887 Mother Aubert decided to market her dormitory for the children possible. herbal remedies. Funds were also needed - and spreading awareness She would say: “Let the Maori keep his for building a bigger convent at Jerusalem, as of the Mission and its work. These were busy and involving years for culture... aid him to preserve his good the Third Order Regular of Mary now had Mother Aubert and her sisters. As well as qualities and his custom so far as these eight members who were forced to live in coping with the Mission work, the politicking Around 1890 a patent was granted for are good and for the benefit of his race. extremely cramped conditions.The Mission within the church and community, she Mother Aubert’s remedies and Episcopal Christianise him, educate him too, but do suffered a major setback the following year was involved in a lawsuit relating to the approbation for their sale was granted. not aim to make a second-rate European when the church was totally destroyed diluting of her remedies by the marketing by fire. Apparently a discontented cook, Subsequently Mother Aubert’s name

28 29 firm. Worried that her products would be obtain a Papal Decree for the security of blessing. However, it was to be seven years adulterated again, she destroyed all records her Congregation, Mother Aubert, aged 78, before Mother Aubert returned to New of her formulae. Subsequently no one else, decided to travel alone to Rome. She sought Zealand, owing to the outbreak of World not even the Sisters, knew the recipes fully, to stabilise the Institute and place it under War I, the Avezzano earthquake (following and an exact record of her research no the protection of the Holy See. Leaving which she nursed with the Red Cross), longer exists.’ Wellington, outwardly to visit the Children’s the death of the which delayed the Home in Auckland, she boarded the Niagara granting of her Decree and, finally, Another Step on the In 1898 an epidemic resulting in the death and, mirroring her departure from France passport difficulties. of several young children generated some 53 years earlier, slipped away unannounced, adverse publicity concerning the Mission, although before leaving she wrote to In 1917, her wishes were granted and Path to Beatification and also led to the realisation that a Home Archbishop Redwood. Pope Benedict XV conferred a Pontifical was needed within distance of medical Decree of Praise on the Congregation of and Canonisation facilities. The following year, their ‘isolation ‘Your Grace, The strain of the last ten months the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion. period’ behind them, Mother Aubert and has been so great that I feel that morally and In 1920 Mother arrived back in Wellington attend the funeral and Supreme Court Another important step on the path to the is also discussed in detail. The challenges her followers transferred their work with physically I cannot bear it any longer and as Mother General of the Order. Shunning sittings were postponed by the Chief Justice eventual beatification and canonisation of and difficulties she faced within and without children to Wellington. something must be done. I am therefore on any thought of retirement in Italy or France, to enable him to attend. Footpaths and the , Suzanne Aubert, was the Church during her lifetime are also well my way to Rome, trusting in God and in His Mother Aubert, now in her mid eighties, veranda roofs along Willis Street were taken on 2nd February 2014. Several months documented and presented. Naturally, a huge Jessie Munro writes: “Very quickly, Mother supreme Representative on earth, and I am desired to carry on her mission in New packed with the watching, silent crowd. before, six church historians from different debt is owed to Jessie Munro and the late Mary Joseph (Aubert) became one of fully prepared to submit to his high decision...’ Zealand. She wrote: Apparently, on seeing the huge crowds, a countries (the Historical Commission) had Sister Bernadette Wrack whose research and Wellington’s best-known figures... She workman asked: “What religion is this been asked to examine and rule on the writings have provided a solid foundation dealt with the bureaucracy, both lay and According to Jessie Munro, Mother “Rivers do not turn back woman being buried?” To which the reply historical reliability of the evidence presented and point of reference for much of the ecclesiastical; she established a home for Aubert “wanted the vision she had for her came: “That was a question she would never in favour of Suzanne’s life of heroic virtue. material contained in the Positio. people with incurable illness; a soup kitchen Congregation and the work it would do again to their own source.” have asked you or me!” This evidence had been presented to them was open day and night for the unemployed to materialise. She was convinced that was in an eight hundred page document known Once the Positio has received the approval or anyone in need; in November 1903 she what the Cure d’ Ars had intended, and she Once more she became immersed in as the Positio. They voted unanimously to of the theologians it will be voted on by an opened the first crèche in Wellington for would do everything in her power to bring organising and planning. She also devoted During her life, Mother accept the Positio and recommended that ordinary congregation (meeting) of cardinals the children of poor working mothers; she this about.” attention to preparing spiritual guidance it should now be passed on to a Theological and bishops appointed for the purpose in trained and insisted that her Sisters also train, for the Order. While in Italy she wrote her Aubert, as well as founding Commission for further consideration. Rome. It then remains for Pope Francis to with the St. John’s Ambulance Association; During their first meeting, Mother Aubert Letters to the Novices which contains the a religious Congregation, give his approval and grant Suzanne Aubert she was a foundation member of the Plunket addressed : essence of her own spirituality and the spirit The Positio is the fruit of six years close the title of “Venerable”. Following the Society, a society to help the health of she desired of her followers. This became greatly influenced progress collaboration between Fr Maurice Carmody, approval of any miracle, the Servant of God mothers and babies, and applied its system “Most Holy Father, I came from the a central document on the identity of the in such areas as health, Roman of the Cause, Sister will then be declared “Blessed”. in the Home for Children at Island Bay. antipodes... to plead the cause of Congregation. Margaret Anne Mills, and Sister Josephine Whatever services she offered to anyone, unfortunate illegitimate children and education, women’s Gorman. It contains the findings of the regardless of religious affiliation, priority was foundlings. I have been told that the Holy Mother Aubert died at Island Bay on 1st rights and social welfare. Diocesan Inquiry, carried out in 2004, and given to those in greatest need...” See does not approve of Sisters devoting October 1926, aged 91. Her funeral was sections devoted to many different aspects their lives to the care of these unhappy, reported in the newspapers as the greatest Her work in the fields of of Suzanne’s life and work. The history of By 1900 the Sisterhood and its work were outcast little ones, and I come to ask Your ever to be accorded to a woman in New medicine, Ma-ori language the Cause from 1926 until the present is gaining momentum. Seven postulants Holiness if it is true, and to plead for them. Zealand. The crowd was so dense that also outlined. Chapters cover such topics as entered and received the habit at the end Holy Father, save them. You alone can do it; only one half of the procession could pass and an evolving New the relevance of her life for the Church and of the year, land at Island Bay was purchased their only hope is in you!” down Boulcott Street to Willis Street, the Zealand spirituality was New Zealand society both at the time of her for a children’s home and the Sisters opened other half was forced up from Saint Mary of death and currently. The way in which she a home for incurables. In 1913, frustrated The Pope assured Mother Aubert she was Angels Church to the Terrace. Government pioneering and lived the Christian virtues to a heroic degree with Church bureaucracy and wanting to doing God’s work and granted her his offices allowed an hour off to all clerks to far-reaching.

30 31 Soup Kitchen Staff

Dining room ACTING Kitchen manager support manager Paul McKerracher Louise Grenside Steve Flude

Nance Thomson

Sister of Soup kitchen compassion volunteers In November Nance Thomson Sr Josefa Tikoisolomone / SUPERSTARS left the Soup Kitchen. We would like to thank Nance for her contribution to the organisation and her focus on supporting guests to live with dignity in the community. Nance will be Sister of Centre cook remembered for her unique compassion administrator Nicky Brown energetic personality and her Sr Sosefina Mafi Pip Ben Shimol drive to establish a professional development program within the sector. Nance was also a key member of a small group that helped establish the Street Outreach Team, without her Sister of chaplain assistant chef Cleaning guidance the success of his compassion Fr Rob Devlin staff Leilani Sio project would not have Sr Lusi U Kyaw Maung Khaing been possible.

Cleaning Sister of assistant chef staff compassion Heng Ang Maung Phyu Sr Catherine

32 33 Before we knew them... Can you identify these staff members from their photos?

1 Take Five Take Five Safety & Security 2 with Catherine with Dylan At the Soup Kitchen

3 Volunteer Guest Antz Michael

What is your favourite spot in the whole world? What is your favourite spot in the whole world? Something that I like about the Soup Kitchen (SK) is the 4 organisation’s safety and security focus. I have a wealth Yorkshire. Somewhere peaceful in the countryside. of experience in this area having worked for nine years in hospitality and industrial security. If you want to enjoy 5 If you had a million dollars what would you do? If you had a million dollars what would you do? the benefits of a service then you need to abide by the service provider’s rules. These are there to protect Give some away, help family and then some! Look for people to support. everybody's safety and security and need to be followed 6 at all times by all people. If you could have dinner with 3 people dead or If you could have dinner with 3 people dead or alive, who would you choose and what would alive, who would you choose and what would When all participants exist together with mutual the meal be? the meal be? 7 respect then everybody is safe and happy. Because the organisation will only permit those people on their The Queen, Nigella Lawson, Mum & Dad. Roast Beef, Group of friends, a 3 course meal with pudding and wine premises that exhibit a high standard of safe behaviour Yorkshire Pudding and Pavlova. it is a comforting thought that incidents are quite rare 8 What are the most important qualities you look at the SK. In my security experience it is my opinion that What are the most important qualities you look for in friends? you are safer at the SK than any bar in Wellington. for in friends? 9 Similarities and same interests. Compassion, caring and helpfulness. What is your favourite quote or philosophy 10 What is your favourite quote or philosophy on life? on life? Live life as an adventure. Take care of others.

11 What do you enjoy about coming to the

What do you enjoy about coming to the Soup Kitchen? Fina Sr 11 Louise 10 Josefa Sr 9

Soup Kitchen? Nicky 8 Paul 7 Rob 6 Steve 5 Leilani 4

:

Pip 3 Lusi Sr 2 Catherine Sr 1 The meals. Answers Meeting people and helping people 34 35 Street Outreach An Interview with Steve Flude

In November 2013 a handful of Wellington Why was the Street Outreach What agencies participate? social agencies and Wellington City Council service set up? set up a Street Outreach service. Their vision: The Soup Kitchen has a coordination role, to empower the street community to move, It was set up because of the increasing and works with DCM, Wellington Homeless at their own pace, to a safer, healthier and number of people on the street. In my Women’s Trust, Wellington Night Shelter, Te more sustainable living environment. former role as Senior Advisor Vulnerable Aro Health Centre, Wellington City Mission, The service is coordinated by Steve Flude, Communities at Wellington City Council St Vincent de Paul, Te Roopu Aramuka acting manager of the Soup Kitchen. One we had the opportunity to lift outreach Wharoaroa, Salvation Army, Catholic Social year after the service began, Louise Grenside work to another level. We knew a number Services and the City Council Local Hosts. talked to Steve. of services were doing outreach, but it was The success of the team has been built happening in an uncoordinated way. We on the commitment of the participating were receiving phone calls from members organisations and their willingness to work of the public saying they wanted to help, but together with a shared aim. means regularly having someone to talk to, With eleven different organisations, it easier to pick up the phone to a colleague didn’t know how. So, in combination with the without any judgment or pressure. People with different roles and philosophies, elsewhere and make a referral or request Alternative Giving Campaign, we took action What has the response been from the know they will see someone a couple of how has the service managed a additional support. to help people on the street. A number of street community? times a day, but there’s no pressure to coordinated approach? organisations came together with the aim of engage. The street community are very Is street outreach happening helping vulnerable people. The idea has been People have been overwhelmingly pleased to supportive of each other, and because they A condition of joining the outreach service anywhere else in New Zealand? to start small and see how the service goes. see us. For many on the street, the service know we’re not a threat, they will tell us if has been that we all work under a project they’re concerned about someone. We’re plan. We’re working as a group to support This service, with the large number of seen as a safety net which is great, because individuals with whatever they want to participating organisations, is fairly unique From January to we’re talking about some of the most do to move forward in their lives. We’re in New Zealand. Most days of the week, 213 665 403 vulnerable, marginalized people in the city. striving to give a hand-up, not a hand-out. we have a team going out each morning September 2014... Outreach sessions Total interactions Interactions with To provide support so that someone can and each afternoon. So that’s 8-10 sessions people begging How about the response from move to something better. Practically, we a week. the public? aim to give the same, consistent message to people. If someone is a client with DCM, Since the service started, what has The public response has been pretty good. for example, then we keep reinforcing stood out for you? 98 91 73 107 We do get moments when we sit and talk their engagement with DCM. One of the Interactions with Interactions with people Other interactions Meal tickets to someone, and we experience the looks additional benefits of the service has been The difference that we can make. It takes people rough sleeping where there was a concern provided of disdain that passersby give. It reinforces the further development of collegiality time for trust to develop. We might see the about their wellbeing for us how hard it is, being exposed to those between the organisations. Working with the same person week after week, and we just looks all the time. other services on street outreach has made keep giving the same message – we’re here

36 37 Annual Report if you need some support. Then if someone will contact the Soup Kitchen (as coordinator decides they would like help, we can jump in. of the street outreach), and we can follow up and engage with the person. As an example, we came across a young man sleeping rough in town, behind a Why are people on the street? concrete wall. He had been on the street for four months, had no income, no place Key reasons are social isolation, poverty to stay. We just kept up the contact, asking and lack of affordable accommodation. him if he wanted any help. And one day he Some people are homeless with no access did. We got him into the Night Shelter that to appropriate, affordable accommodation. night, and the next day we helped him make Someone might be housed, but lonely and contact with WINZ so that he had access isolated, with no family support and no to a benefit. We set up an appointment connection with the community. People are at Te Aro Health Centre. He now has on low incomes, trying to buy food and live Chairperson’s Review employment. That’s a big change. on $65 a week. Another big issue is lack of purposeful activity. The Soup Kitchen tries 2014 How does the street outreach fit to address some of this need for meaningful Kevin Walker with the Soup Kitchen’s usual role of activity through our community garden, and Board Chairperson providing meals? the computer hub.

How is the street outreach service Street outreach is part of a tradition The Soup Kitchen provided over 29,000 a significant role in development and of maintenance work on the building will funded? established by Mother Aubert and the nutritious breakfast and dinners over the coordination of outreach services to support improve the working environment for all Sisters of Compassion. The sisters went out last financial year. This meant serving on those in need. This collaborative activity is those who work at Tory Street. onto the streets of Wellington to connect We’ve had some funding from the average 63 dinners and 36 breakfasts. All part of the wider Te Mahana homelessness with people and collect donated goods. With Wellington City Council and the Tindall this would not have been possible without strategy. A better system of recording During the year Sister Veronica Hurring and our current service, having the Soup Kitchen Foundation. The participating organisations the very dedicated team of staff, sisters and interactions with clients has also been Sister Jo Gorman retired from the Board on the outreach team is a real strength. It donate staff time as they are able. If we volunteers. Donations of food and funds developed. and were replaced with Sister Sue Cosgrove means we can offer someone a meal right had additional funding we could carry out from the many generous organisations and and Gordon Stewart. These Board members away – it might be someone new to town, outreach at more unsociable hours, such as individuals have been very much appreciated The help given by volunteers continues to along with Louise McIntyre and Marilyn who doesn’t know the services or where the early morning, when we’d have more and added to the Soup Kitchen’s ability to be greatly appreciated by the Board and staff Simpkin have been of great assistance to they can get help. By giving them a referral opportunity to engage with those who are support its clients. at the Soup Kitchen. The ability of the Soup myself as Chairperson and in helping the card to the Soup Kitchen we can give them a rough sleeping. I’d also like to have a budget Kitchen to continue to provide meals to running of the Soup Kitchen. welcome, and help to engage them with the for one-off costs to help someone in need, Whilst the provision of food for clients those in need is very dependent on this help. other services they need. such as immediate health needs, someone remains the main priority of the Soup A volunteers’ evening was held recently The Board wishes to thank staff, sisters, at a crisis point who needs emergency Kitchen there is also continued Soup Kitchen to, in a small way, thank them for giving of volunteers and supporters, who ensure we What advice would you give someone accommodation or travel. staff activity to ensure that our clients are their time to help others. continue to provide meals and support to concerned about a person sleeping accessing and getting all appropriate and those who come to the Soup Kitchen. rough, or asking for money? How do you see the future of street available support to allow them to live with There remained for most of the year outreach? dignity and independence in the community. uncertainty around the strengthening Merry Christmas. If you are concerned, you can engage with work required on the Tory Street building. them. We don’t advise giving money, but you I hope it continues to be the success it has During the year, the Soup Kitchen continued However, that is now moving forward, with could give food. Then you could ring the City been to date. to improve the working relationships with tenders having been called for this work. It Council to report your concern. The Council other social services providers and played is hoped that this and some small amount

38 39 Annual Report

The feedback from our guests and partner to eight volunteers give their time to help Trust etc. These conversations with our organisations is that the atmosphere in the serve breakfast and dinners. Volunteers also partners have included exploring how we dining room has changed for the better support our work at the community garden, can work together to support our mutual Acting Manager’s Annual Report over the last few years. It is now a calmer IT hub, the Gathering and as Kaimanaaki. clients, discussions on information sharing, environment with fewer incidents where how to prevent duplication of work, 2013 - 2014 guests feel safe and supported. This is a During the year we established a volunteer professional development training etc. credit to our guests and everyone who committee that now meets once a month. works and volunteers at the Soup Kitchen. The aim of the committee is to provide Tangata Whaiora At the end of another busy year the Soup Kitchen can reflect positively on the a point of discussion between volunteers way that it continues to achieve its mission of supporting people in need to live and staff. The committee also help staff plan Tangata Whaiora continues to act as a bridge with dignity in the community. This has been achieved through the dedication Meal Service events that show our appreciation for the connecting our guests and the management of our staff team, volunteers, the support of the Sisters of Compassion and commitment of our volunteer base. The first The kitchen staff continue to provide two of the Soup Kitchen. During the year the generous donations from individuals and organisations. event was a quiz night in June that was a nutritious meals a day on a tight budget. group has meet regularly to discuss a range huge success. From November 2013 to October 2014 we served 10,478 breakfasts and Guests often complement the chefs on the matters such as emergency preparedness, 19,375 dinners. At our busiest periods this saw 42 people at a breakfast session quality of the food. We are fortunate to cooking lessons, health and safety etc. The and 91 at a dinner session. Despite some challenges during the year, the service Guests continue receiving a wide range of donations Te Mahana group have also helped with the planning, of food from individuals and local businesses. preparation and set up of events including to our guests has always been of the highest standard. This report provides a Without these donations we would be In April we attended a Wellington City the Christmas meal, Mataraki celebration brief overview of our year. Our guests continue to face a range of unable to provide the variety of meals we Council committee meeting where Te and other events. challenges and exclusions as the provision currently offer. Mahana was formally adopted. Te Mahana of services has changed during the year. is a city strategy to end homelessness in Changes to welfare benefits and an on- Community Garden The development of the meals we serve Wellington by 2020. The Soup Kitchen has going lack of affordable, appropriate and the ability to offer choice has been an played a key role with other social support accommodation have seen many living on One of the regular comments from our ongoing discussion during the year. We have agencies in the development of this strategy. a limited income and struggling to find a guests is that they want a purposeful activity begun working with Regional Public Health secure home. We regularly work with guests during the day. The community garden is on an audit of our menu plan and hope to Te Mahana is a concept that speaks of that are left with under $60 per week to live one way that we support our guests with have this completed by the end of 2014. the warmth found in a supportive home on after their rent and utility bills are paid. At an activity that encourages them to engage The initial feedback indicated is that we environment. The warmth of a home is the simplest level the Soup Kitchen ensures with a wider community and provides fresh should strive to provide more fish, diary not limited to a physical structure, bed that guests receive two healthy meals six produce for our kitchen. and fruit in our meals. or cupboards full of food. It includes how days a week. people feel about their living environment Each Monday a small group of guests travel –whether they feel safe, included and In order to support the challenges that many to work at the garden from 9.00 to 12.00. Volunteers respected. The purpose of Te Mahana is to of our guests face we have worked beside During the year the numbers of guests guide a collaborative, inter-sectoral approach them at times of need. This has seen our Soup Kitchen volunteers are a vital part attending dropped but the enthusiasm of to making significant progress towards staff supporting people offsite at Work and of the service we provide to our guests. our dedicated volunteers Jane and Ross has ending homelessness in Wellington by 2020. Income, HNZC, WCC, Kiwi Bank etc. At The diverse range of people that offer kept the garden ticking over. We will be the Soup Kitchen we continue to provide their time brings a special atmosphere to re-launching the garden in the spring and will Working towards the aims of Te Mahana a range of activities and support services the activities they support. During the year encourage guests to take an active part in its we have strengthened our partnerships including clothing, basic items to set up a flat, we ran two volunteer training sessions and development. with organisations including DCM, referrals to other organisations, community maintained our number of active volunteers Wellington Night Shelter, Te Roopu Aramuka garden, IT hub, and prayer group. at around two hundred. Six days a week up Wharoaroa, Wellington Women’s Homeless

40 41 Annual Report

The Gathering

The Gathering, an afternoon tea and entertainment event for seniors in our community, has continued on the first Thursday of each month throughout the year. During this year guests have enjoyed a variety of performances ranging from a hand bell choir, a kapa haka group from a Nov 2012 – Oct 2013 Nov 2013 – Oct 2014 local primary school, to community choirs and solo performances. The sessions are organised by the Soup Kitchen and held at the welcoming environment of the Home of Compassion in Island Bay. The sessions Meal count Meal count are always well attended and enjoyed by a 10,187 breakfasts 10,478 breakfasts variety of seniors from the wider community, Staff many of whom are driven to and from the 19,020 dinners 18,975 dinners afternoon by a dedicated team of drivers. In November 2013 Steve Flude and Leilani running of the Soup Kitchen. We would also The Soup Kitchen would like to thank all Sia joined the Soup Kitchen as assistant like to acknowledge the work of Heng Ang those involved with the Gathering and we manager and assistant chef. During the year our Saturday afternoon chef. look forward to another year of enjoyable Andrew Robertson left to pursue a career “Gathering afternoons” in 2015 ! in Radio. We would like to thank him for A particular mention should be made of the energy and creativity he brought to the Father Rob who has on numerous occasions Soup Hub Soup Kitchen. In March we welcomed Jessie stepped in to help us out when we have Average number of Average number of Dennis to the Soup Kitchen as Community been short of people on the staff roster. meals served each day meals served each day The Soup Hub continues to be a popular Engagement Advisor. Jessie brought her Father Rob has an amazing rapport with resource for our guests. Currently the hub youthful energy to the organisation and our guests and is supportive of staff and is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday helped revitalise the way we support our volunteers at times of need. from 12.30 – 4.00 and is staffed by a team volunteers. In October Jessie was offered her of volunteers. We would like to expand this dream job working for the Green Party, we service to include additional hours and more wish her well in her new role. structure on the activities offered. This could include sessions on writing Curriculum Vitae, Sisters Fina and Josefa continue to provide use of social media, basic IT skills etc. a vital contribution to the Soup Kitchen, connection to the Sisters of Compassion, The development of this service will be and remind us all to reflect on the values considered in 2014-15 when a decision has and mission of the organisation. Sisters 34 64 35 63 been made regarding the strengthening and Lusi and Catherine continue to help with reconfiguration of the building. the dinner service three times a week and support other areas of our work. Both bring with them a wealth of knowledge and Breakfast Dinner Breakfast Dinner enthusiasm that contributes to the smooth

42 43 Annual Report Our Supporters

We are grateful for the support of many Southern Hospitality The Amazing Travelling Photo Booth organisations, businesses and individuals who Sovereign Military Order Of Malta The Pines have contributed to the Soup Kitchen this St. Catherine’s College Vaka Tautua year, enabling us to support people living on St Ladies Auxilliary Vincent’s Art Workshop the margins. Those who have supported St Francis de Sales Primary School Waikanae Catholic Women’s Guild us include: St Mary’s College Wellington City Mission St Patrick’s College, Kilbirnie Wellington College Mother Aubert Home of Compassion St Patricks School, Masterton Wellington Community Mental Health Team Trust Board St. Theresa’s School Wellington High School Community Organisation Grants Scheme St Parish, Napier WELTEC Catering Department Estate of T Romain St Vincent de Paul Society Wesley Wellington Parish J K Baxter Trust Sweet Release Cakes & Treats Wormalds TG Macarthy Trust T & T Pacific Ltd Zaida Café Tindall Fund Te Omanga Hospice Z Petrol Stations Wellington City Council Wellington Community Trust Abletech ACE House ANZ Technologies Arobake Baker Gramercy, Berhampore HMNZS Olphert New Zealand Recreation Association Bata Company Hutt Valley Samoan SDA New World, Chaffers Berhampore School IBM New World, Island Bay Bible Society New Zealand Impact Legal Nga Taonga Sound & Vision BidVest Food Service Ltd Inner Wheel Group NZ Recreation Association Bluebelle Café, Island Bay Jireh Trust Opus Blueprint for Learning Kaibosh Pablos Art Studio Charity IT Karori Foodbank Pandoro Bakery Conroy Removals Ltd Khandallah School Prefab Café Dransfield House Kiwi Community Assistance Queen Margaret College Elevate Lychgate Funeral Home Rentokil Embassy of The Republic of Korea Massey University Library Rolleston Trust Fire Protection Inspection Services LtdGS1 Matua Raki Ronald MacDonald House Quality Services Mediterranean Food Warehouse Marsden Collegiate School Harbour City Guard Services Mischief shoes Sathya Sai Service Organisation Wgtn Inc Harbour City Security Ltd Moana Pacific Fisheries Scots College Havana Coffee Mokai Kainga Community Gardens Skills Active

44 45 Bread collection Sponsor a meal Community Gardens

A local city supermarket donates a We serve dinner to 80-100 people a Every Monday a group of guests and quantity of bread each day. Volunteers day. You can help us by donating money volunteers go to work in our organic take turns collecting the bread for us to cover the costs of one meal service. community gardens in Owhiro Bay. This early in the morning around 6:30am. We’ve had people sponsor meals to gives our guests the opportunity to learn commemorate birthdays, wedding and use their skills and give something back anniversaries and in memory of a to the Soup Kitchen All the produce grown Share your talents Ways to Help loved one. in the garden is cooked and served in the dining room. Share your talents and skills with us. We are always looking for new ways to Gift donations www.soupkitchen.org.nz support our guests. If you have a special Payroll giving talent to share with us, please let us You can sponsor seedlings for our garden, www.facebook.com/SoupKitchenWellington know. For example, you may be able to new socks and underpants for our guests, Your donation is deducted directly from provide entertainment for the monthly or food for the kitchen. Making these your wages and the tax refund you receive Gathering for older people. Or may have a donations through our website is simple! for making a charitable donation is instant. Since 1899 the Sisters of Compassion professional skill that you could share with (The refund rate is 33.33 cents in each have depended on the support of the us e.g. painter, plumber, electrician, website dollar). Talk to your employer or see our community to help serve the most Soup Kitchen design, data entry… website for more information. disadvantaged people in Wellington. There are many ways you can become part of this The Soup Kitchen is open for breakfast Monetary donations tradition. Our website also has details of Donate goods and dinner every week from Monday to Saturday. You could help us serve meals ways you can help, like sponsoring meals, We receive no government funding and You can help supply clothing, shoes, and clean up. Volunteers attend a training and making targeted financial donations for depend on the support of the community. and blankets for Soup Kitchen guests. session before volunteering in the kitchen. food and clothing for guests! If you would like to make a donation please Books and kitchenware are also very Breakfast 7.30 – 8.30am Mon - Sat, contact us, or you can make a bank deposit well received. We also welcome Dinner 4.30 – 6pm Mon - Sat. using this account number: donations of food. Use your voice 02 0500 0022193 08 The Gathering You can help people on the margins by Street day appeal speaking up. We are all responsible for This is a monthly get-together at the building a community that is aware, alive We have an annual street day appeal (on Centre for the elderly. You can drive and compassionate. a Friday) and you can help by collecting elderly guests to this afternoon of money, co-ordinating a collection area, or light entertainment, tea, nibbles, and working on the organising committee. conversation. Held 1.30-3.00 pm on Food day appeal the first Thursday of the month. Fundraising events Twice a year, on a Saturday, we collect donated food from an Island Help us by raising money with your Bay supermarket as part of the Foodbank workmates, church group etc. Have a Coalition Appeal. You could help us for bake-sale, a sponsored walk, a movie an hour handing out leaflets, receiving night, or a quiz…and donate the food donations and thanking the donors. proceeds to the Soup Kitchen. 46 47 www.soupkitchen.org.nz www.facebook.com/SoupKitchenWellington

132 Tory St, Wellington Ph: (04) 385 9299 [email protected]