Cactus programme forms charitable trust
Dannevirke’s Cactus committee has made the next move to secure the future of the hugely successful adolescent youth challenge Cactus by forming a charitable trust to run the organisation.
Letters of interest have been sent out before the next programme, which will begin in February next year, and a donation from the woundup Tu Tangata Youth programme has ensured financial security.
“The Cactus committee, students, graduates, instructors and community all agree the programme has been very successful with all aims and objectives achieved beyond expectations,” senior constable Wayne Churchouse of Dannevirke Police said, at the recent annual meeting.
“Our third Cactus programme run early this year was another huge success,” he said. “From our research it was obvious different areas ran things differently and no one had any real documentation or training programmes to assist us when we first began. We had to sell the concept to schools and the community, source funding the build the programme. The running of the programme is the easy part — it is all the work behind the scenes which takes a lot of time and can sometimes be difficult, especially finding time in our busy schedules.”
Churchouse said his was a hardworking committee and everyone had an important role.
“We have a great team,” he said. “We must acknowledge all the committee members for the hours and resources that are given at no cost as we all do this voluntarily with no expectation of reward. Our reward for all those little costs we incur is that we know we have contributed to the enhancement of youth by our generosity.
“This is a cool programme and needs commitment from our community, which we do receive.”
Churchouse said all those who have donated funds, goods, services or their time to the programme are no less important.
“You should take pride that you have contributed to the development of the students by raising their self esteem, sense of belonging, loyalty, comradeship, sense of community, teamwork and self-belief,” he said. “You have helped these youths in a complicated time of their lives. You have given them other role models to go to in times of need and you have assisted in developing our future leaders. Together we have changed lives.” The Dannevirke Cactus programme runs on a tight budget and the trust is in a good financial position thanks to donations, including from Tu Tangata Youth.
“I can assure everyone the funds will be wisely and tightly spent,” Churchouse said. “To give you an idea, I have done some research and others which put through 20 to 25 students run their programmes for approximately $12,000 to $15,000. In Dannevirke we put through 30 students at a cost of about $4700.
“For me a major inspiration is hearing all the success stories and favourable comments from the students, their parents or from members of the community. Comments which made an impact were, “Cactus was the best thing I have ever done in my life, thank you for not giving up on me and being there for me”.
“These students now have pride in who they are, what they’ve achieved and where they are from. Our Cactus programme is a positive one, with everyone treated with respect all the time.”
“With the generous donations and the tight budgets we run, we are in a strong financial position and the committee and staff have the passion and drive to run future Cactus programmes,” Marianne Anderson, secretary/treasurer, said.