The Hurricanes will continue to play a significant part in working to help where they live and work in as they announce New Zealand Red Cross and Challenge 2000 as the club’s official charity partners.
Hurricanes players will work to help the two organisations during the 2019 and 2020 Investec Super Rugby seasons.
The club chose New Zealand Red Cross and Challenge 2000 after reaching out with an invitation for organisations to partner with the Hurricanes.
New Zealand Red Cross secretary general Niamh Lawless said the organisation was proud to be working with the Hurricanes and its players.
"Helping vulnerable people is at the core of what we do and we are excited about the opportunity this partnership offers when it comes to highlighting the challenges people face in their communities and how everyone can contribute to creating a kinder, more connected society," Lawless said.
Hurricanes players will have the opportunity to help with Red Cross’ Meals on Wheels programmes, alongside a team of drivers who deliver more than 10,000 meals - and just as many smiles - every week to people acorss the country who need a bit of extra support.
The partnership will also work to support those affected by disasters with a particular focus on the Pacific during cyclone season.
"Every year cyclones threaten communities across the Pacific and here at home," Lawless added. "Being prepared is essential and working with the Hurricanes and its players will not only amplify and spread important messaging on how to be prepared but also raise awareness of what needs to be done and how people can help if the worst happends."
The partnership will also leverage Red Cross’ experience in first aid and psychological first aid developed after the Canterbury earthquakes to support the Hurricanes players with further personal development.
Challenge 2000 founder and project manager Kitty McKinley said the partnership with the Hurricanes will have a significant impact on the young people they work with.
“Our young people will have the opportunity to engage with strong role models, be inspired to become their best selves and be given hope and encouragement to dream big,” she said.
“As a result of the Hurricanes being directly involved with the young people we work with we would expect our young people to experience increased self-esteem, increased self-awareness, be given hope and guidance to achieve their aspirations and dreams and positive community engagement.”
Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee said the club was looking forward to working with two new partners after a successful period with Eat My Lunch and the Wellington City Mission in the last two years.
“Everyone involved in our club has seen the positive work our players have done in the community and we believe that will continue with Red Cross and Challenge 2000 – two organisations who have a proven history of making a significant difference.”
About Red Cross:
New Zealand Red Cross is part of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation and has been working in New Zealand for more than a century, supporting the needs of vulnerable people both here and internationally.
They are independent of government and are guided by seven Fundamental Principles: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. As a Red Cross National Society, we also have a unique auxiliary role to public authorities in the humanitarian field.
Red Cross supports and empowers people and communities in times of vulnerability. Our work is underpinned by our extensive network of around 15,000 members and more than 400 staff. We provide a range of services through our four main humanitarian priorities:
Disaster Management: Disasters don’t discriminate – they can happen at any time, anywhere and affect anyone. Our disaster management programmes help communities in New Zealand before, during and after disasters and emergencies.
International Programmes: Our international programmes help strengthen communities and Red Cross societies in the Pacific and provide assistance in some of the world’s most urgent humanitarian crises.
Migration Programmes: We are proud to welcome people from refugee backgrounds to Aotearoa and help them make a new home, connect with their community and find employment.
Community Programmes: You’ll find good people doing good things in neighbourhood’s right across New Zealand. Whether it’s delivering a hot meal, providing a lift to the doctor or mentoring young people, our friendly members make a difference in Kiwi communities.
About Challenge 2000
Challenge 2000, a charitable trust founded in 1988, is a youth development and social work agency serving the greater Wellington region, working with families and young people who have multi-faceted complex needs.
Challenge 2000 has social workers and youth workers operating in colleges, schools and youth communities. These workers mentor and support more than 5000 young people annually to develop their confidence, self-awareness and their ability to relate positively to each other. Events are facilitated each year, including holiday programmes, retreats, camps, kappa haka, youth groups, development and leadership programmes as well as community gatherings.
Challenge 2000 also runs a gap year programme to encourage young New Zealanders to contribute to their community. The one year programme for school leavers or graduates involves holistic formation, NZQA youth work training, work placements, life experiences, national and international travel.
Challenge 2000’s core youth services include supported living in five residential houses, youth justice, education, mentoring and intensive and reintegration programmes for young people at risk.
Challenge 2000’s vision is to build a strong, socially just and inclusive community and country by challenging young people to believe in themselves, develop their strengths, overcome obstacles, dream and achieve big – to thrive and not just survive.