Sr Lusi Raratini, Steve Logan, Virginia Ashcroft and Sr Catherine Hannan at ‘14 Hours Homeless’ in Wellington.
Photo: Supplied
WelCom November 2016:
Diocesan News
Sophie Goulter
Around 230 Wellingtonians demonstrated their support to end homelessness in the capital by sleeping rough overnight on Friday 7 October. The Wellington part of the nation-wide and now annual event, ‘14 Hours Homeless’, was held at Mt Cook School. The event brought together a diversity of participants including students, Sisters, members of the street community and former Wellington Mayor, Celia Wade-Brown. Local restaurant and hoteliers taking part included Steve Logan and Olivier Lacoua who challenged their counterparts to join them.
All those who signed up to sleep rough spent the evening visiting different social service organisations and learning about the work done to support individuals who are homeless. The event had a positive and uplifting atmosphere, with many commenting it was confronting but a fun and enjoyable experience. A powerful moment was the morning karakia, calling in the light of day and waking participants at 5.45am on Saturday morning.
The event raised over $40,000 for the organisations involved in Wellington, the Compassion Soup Kitchen, DCM, Wellington City Mission, Wellington Homeless Women’s Trust and the Night Shelter. Please visit 14hourshomeless.org.nz/event/wgtn to make a donation or find out more.
Sophie Goulter is a volunteer and communications co-ordinator at Suzanne Aubert Compassion Centre Soup Kitchen.