The World Day of the Poor is Pope Francis’ call to action to find ways to reach out to neighbours for mutual dialogue, encounter and acts of practical assistance. In response to Pope Francis’ call to action, groups around Wellington are hosting and coordinating events around the region under the name Better off Together – He Waka Eke Noa.

Sponsor a meal at the Compassion Soup Kitchen

One of the activities being coordinated is inviting church, school and community groups to sponsor a meal at the Compassion Soup Kitchen which has been serving our community for over 100 years. Our mission is to help people in need to live with dignity in the community by offering breakfast and dinner six days a week, and offering a range of activities in our He Rakāu Koikoi – Purposeful Activities Programme.

If you’re interested in sponsoring a meal at the Compassion Soup Kitchen as a part of the Better off Together – He Waka Eke Noa actions, please contact Karen Holland at soupkitchenmanager@compassion.org.nz. Information on other practical ways to support the Soup Kitchen can be found here.

Other activities for the week include:

Better off Together/He Waka Eke Noa gathering: Workshops, activities and liturgy on social justice issues led by Challenge 2000 at Bishop Viard College, 10am – 5pm.

Mass for the World Day of the Poor: Sunday 18 November, St Michael’s Taita, 10.30am. If possible please bring non-perishable food items for the foodbank.

Vinnies Pop-Up Free shops: Saturday 17 November, 10am-4pm. Locations include: Newtown (230 Riddiford Street), Lower Hutt (33 Britannia Street, Petone), Stokes Valley (3 Scott Court), Wainuiomata (2 Stanley Street), Porirua (27a Mungavin Avenue).

Solidarity fruit cakes for Kaikōura: Bake a cake or offer some festive fare to Kaikōura for the second anniversary of the 2016 Earthquake. Drop off at the Compassion Soup Kitchen, Challenge 2000 or the Wellington Catholic Centre by noon on Monday 12 November. For more information contact Lisa Beech at l.beech@wn.catholic.org.nz

St Joseph’s Parish of Upper Hutt:  An opportunity to check benefit entitlements from 12pm-3pm. For more information contact Teresa Homan hvbest@xtra.co.nz

All parishes and groups are encouraged to increase food bank donations and find other ways to connect with neighbours and communities.

For more information visit: https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/adw_type/world-day-of-the-poor-2018/.