Meet Max and Soni (IVM Day 2020 spotlight)
Continuing our series on local managers of volunteers for International Volunteer Managers' Day 2020...
Introducing Maxine and Soni, two of the wonderful Youth Workers and coordinators of the MYTAGS (Marlborough Youth Trust Advisory Group) at Marlborough Youth Trust.
- Tell us about how you first got involved with MYT? [Max] I had heard that the youth group out in Seddon was struggling to find enough adults to help keep it running so I started by volunteering my time. Jo (Manager) heard about what I was doing out there and brought me on board.
[Soni] I was working at a winery. Jo knew my mum and when she ran into her, she suggested that I should get my Level 3 Youth Work certificate.
- What do you find most challenging about the work you do here? [Max] There's never enough time, money, or resources to do everything we want to do, but especially in the area of mental health.
- What do you wish other people knew about the young people you work with on MYTAGs and in the community? [Max] I wish people could see them how we see them. Instead of trying to impose a dictatorial relationship on them, get to know them for who they are and release the expectations.
[Soni] Youth are good at moving on when they don't like things. For some people that means they look at these young people and think "oh look, can't even keep a job", but try and look at it more positively. They can keep the job, but they're not feeling it, they want to do something more suited to their interests and passions. So help them succeed!
- What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering with MYT? [Max] Do it! You won't regret it!
[Soni] Come with an open mind. You get back what you put in.
Read the full story by clicking the 'read more' button below
Worst Xmas ever?
There's a a lot of planning that goes into Christmas day and sometimes things just don't go to plan. But it can be a good thing - a family mishap or hilarious memory that you can laugh about in Christmases to come.
Whether you burnt the dinner or were stranded at an airport...
Share your Christmas mishaps below!
Suellen’s sweet Christmas tradition
The festive season is always a great excuse to indulge your sweet tooth, and this time of year poses the perfect opportunity to bring a real showstopper to the Christmas table.
For Suellen’s family, that showstopper is Croquembouche, an impressive tower of cream puffs bound together with spun sugar that is popular at weddings in France and Italy.
What began as a birthday treat at a local French café has become a cherished Christmas tradition for Suellen and her 17-year-old twin granddaughters, Ellie and Sadie. Every year, the trio gather in Suellen’s apartment at William Sanders Village to cook this festive dessert - a holiday highlight they all treasure.
Click read more for the recipe.
Poll: Would you rather: Christmas in summer forever or winter forever?
Just a bit of a fun poll to get you thinking.
If you had to live out your Christmas days, would you prefer it was a summer Christmas or a winter Christmas?
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61.7% Summer
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36.6% Winter
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1.7% Other - I'll share below
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