In the aftermath of this years earthquakes, James' work has been in the midst of a lot of extra action - more programmes, more events, more opportunities, more networking, more young people! As we reflect on the year, I am proud to be part of a team that has achieved so much and affected the lives of so many this year. We really are a community service that people rely on, and have been encouraged by words of thanks from young people, their families, other community groups and dignitaries. There were even a few awards, from the local MP, the local school, a sport canterbury award and a kiwi hero award. 2012 promises to be another big year and we're talking to funders to help us staff these increased needs. More info can be found on our website but here are some highlights:
Top 12 moments of 2011
12) Taking our young people to dig silt from random houses.
11) The 5th Annual Family Fun Night attracting over 500 people and giving most of the children a lollie rush!
10) So many dangerous activities with crazy young people, like ice skating, water sports, mountain biking - and no major injuries! (well, apart from a dislocated shoulder & two broken arms)
9) The launch of the Sodium Breakaway programme - a free teenage holiday programme.
8) Taking 85 young people and 8 leaders on a Break from the Quake to Auckland in partnership with Youthtown. It was postponed the first time due to snow, but a great action packed holiday - Amy came too! The photo above shows us all in the elephant enclosure.
7) The McDonalds Ice Cream Challenge - everyones favourite (just don't tell the parents).
6) The Central New Brighton football team making the Canterbury Tournament for the first time in their history under YAT coaches.
5) The EPIC Dance Party for 175 Year 7 & 8's from local schools in partnership with BlueLight.
4) Over 1500 attendees at the Post Earthquake Children's Programmes that operated while local schools were closed.
3) 5 Fun Afternoons for 5 full primary schools as they reopened after the February Earthquake.
2) Wynton Rufers Football Fest at Thomson Park for over 300 local young people (all this talk of football in the year of NZ's Rugby World Cup - great eh!)
1) The 40+ volunteers who committed time, energy & tears to clubs, programmes and events every week - Priceless!
For more information about our what we do, media reports, videos, Post Earthquake programmes and our NEEDS, visions and possibilities for the future, if funding permitted see http://www.yat.org.nz/
