Strive taking anti-bullying vibe to streets

Community trust's mobile van brings party to youth to try to replace fighting with fun times.

Creating a fun place for young people to hang out and be themselves is what the Strive Community Trust is all about.

As one of this year's 12 days of Christmas recipients, it receives $10,000 to spend on an initiative within its organisation.

The trust, which provides social services for the South Auckland community, has been running for more than 20 years. Strive stands for strength, trust, resilience, independence, versatility and excellence.

Clinical adviser Nicole Robertson said the grant would go towards its anti-bullying programme; which sees youth leaders go into the community in a decked-out van to set up activities.

"One of the things we do is trying to raise awareness of bullying and trying to get it out of our community," she said.

"We're going to refurbish a van with lots of positive slogans, fun activities, sporting equipment, bean bags, props for skits and a music centre. We can pull up to a park or outside any place in our community and set up shop - inviting young people to come and join in the activities."

Mrs Robertson said they hoped that by using a mobile service, it would attract more youth to join in the fun and, at the same time, steer them away from bad behaviour.

"We're going out to them. So instead of fighting at the shopping centre, they see our van and head over to take part in some cool activities with their friends.

"We're wanting to get a projector so we can show movies and have DJ-teaching sessions. We're also going to be teaching dance and performing. It will be used every day and we're sure it will be huge."

Auckland Airport, with the help of members of the travelling public, is giving $120,000 to 12 Kiwi charities this Christmas. Airport spokesman Charles Spillane said Strive was a solid charity targeting the very heart of the local community - its youth.

"This is an inspiring organisation delivering education, training and social services to the community. It's fantastic that this grant is going to help Strive to reach the young people of our community."

A Herald-Auckland Airport charity project: Auckland Airport is giving away $120,000 to NZ charities as part of its 12 Days of Christmas initiative this year. The Herald is profiling each of the winning charities.