The Canteen Leadership Programme is an integral part of supporting rangatahi impacted by cancer to gain social, development, and leadership skills using a range of different pathways. We have a proud history of rangatahi leadership, and rangatahi still guide the organisation at every level today – from members and Leaders, to Member Directors.

Each year, rangatahi leaders are given the opportunity to establish and deliver their very own team project. Over the past year, the South Hub rangatahi leaders have come together to organise an event that directly influences the younger generation of Canteen members. They aimed to create a special Christmas Hub Day event where rangatahi could come together, feel connected and have fun just like their own memorable experiences.

Rangatahi leaders were involved in every stage of the planning, from coming up with the ideas for activities, organising the challenging logistics and resources, to delegating individual responsibilities, budgeting, and securing sponsorship from Velocity Karts and Blogg Charitable Trust.

Rangatahi from across the South Island came together in Ōtautahi | Christchurch in December to enjoy the festive Christmas Hub Day. Rangatahi leaders hosted and facilitated the entire event, which included welcoming and briefing the group on the day, facilitating ice breaker games, leading small groups alongside Velocity Karts staff on the unique experiences of Blokarting, Human Foosball and lawn games. And to round the day off, a beautiful walk to South Brighton Reserve, the perfect picnic destination for the event.

The giggles and laughter could be heard from afar, and no rangatahi left without a smile on their face. Some of our quieter Canteen members really shone, zooming around the track in a Blokart and nailing it! Each member also received a Christmas goodie bag, with homemade cookies and other treats made by the leaders. 

Rangatahi who attended the event no doubt felt inspired by the amazing role models the leaders were on the day. The event provided a space for rangatahi to connect and try something new, reduce isolation and improve well-being. 

We're extremely proud of the South Hub rangatahi leaders for excelling on this amazing event, and developing skills to find a new rhythm after the disruption of cancer.