It began as a fundraiser, but ended with a closer school community as students from both Marian College and St Bede’s College participated in the Caritas 24 Hour Move-It Challenge.

This was the second year for Marian students doing the challenge, but in embracing the focus for the year - Community - it seemed fitting to invite our brother school to join us in the challenge.

“We didn't just want to host the same challenge again, but find a way to take its success to the next level,” Marian College Head Student Gaby McKey said

“Not only did we want to increase participation rates, but we also saw it as an opportunity for us to work more closely with our brother school. 

“It was a way for students to connect with others who they may not have met before and as a community we can work towards a good cause. This is exactly the servant leadership we strive for at Marian College.”

The Marian and Bede’s student leaders worked together to create promotional content, run meetings, and organise the activities which would take place over the 24 hours.

“Caritas is a non-profit organisation that follows Catholic social teachings to make a difference in the lives of many, and so by taking on their 24-Hour Move-It Challenge we knew we would be offering our support in a way that is fun and interactive for students,” Gaby said. 

“This event was the perfect opportunity for students to take what they have learnt about being Catholic in the classroom into a practical environment, and by supporting Caritas we are allowing them to continue doing good work in communities across the world.”  

The students set themselves a goal of raising $2500.

“It was clear everyone was very passionate about its success,” Gaby said.

During the 24 hours, students participated in traditional team sport, primary school games, dance, yoga and pilates among other activities. They opted for particular time slots throughout the 24 hours, with more than 60 students participating at any one time.

“We had very high participation rates with even some of the midnight to early morning slots averaging 60-70 people. Many had signed up for one slot only to find they were enjoying it so much they decided to stay for more!” Gaby said.

“One of my personal highlights was seeing how the students from both schools interacted with each other. Everyone was very respectful and kind to each other, and to see them all enjoying the event which we had poured our hearts into was most rewarding as it meant that our efforts in organising the event brought people closer together to raise money and awareness for poverty in the Pacific.”

Gaby also credits the staff who took time out of their weekend to support the event.

”The support from the staff was absolutely incredible. We had at least one staff member present at every slot including the very early morning hours to supervise, and us student leaders had the help of Mrs Huia our Sports Coordinator, Deputy Principal Mrs Parkin, and Whaea Myra our Director of Ministry for every step of the way. The event could not have taken place without our staff, and we are so grateful for the time and effort they gave up.”

Local businesses also got behind the students with Cookie Time, Woolworths, PURE Sports Nutrition and Cocopellis sponsoring them with spot prizes.

In total, Marian College and St Bede’s College raised $3000 which was matched by the New Zealand Aid Programme to become $12,000 donated to Caritas.

Article added: Thursday 12 September 2024