DCM Centre Stage
The volume of our fundraising efforts got turned up loud last year at Music for the Ministry, an event dreamed up by the amazing Lex and Rae. The day kicked off with a market featuring nine artists followed by six bands – Maced, Cryfor, Western Haikus, Eurydice, Slacker and Wince – taking the stage at Valhalla. This incredible night raised over $2,000 for DCM and two full bins of donations for our foodbank to top it off. For Lex and Rae it wasn’t just about raising funds, this event was about starting conversations:
“I like to hope that the gig we put on and bringing DCM to people, would get your services out there and show that there is actually support for people in Wellington.”
These two have put their time and skills behind many community kaupapa and landed on DCM for a number of reasons, some close to home. Lex describes how among the music community, specifically the alternative music community, there are quite a few people who have personal experiences of homelessness.
“I reached out and you guys were just super lovely, super kind, and we came in and had a tour and just saw how dedicated you guys were and I was like: ‘we’ve found the right people.’”
Both Lex and Rae also work in Wellington’s nightlife meaning they’re familiar with some of the whānau we work with who are based downtown.
“We see a lot of people doing it rough on the street and seeing just how helpful you guys were. It was just like what can we do to help these guys.”
Music for the Ministry is a great example of a community coming together to support our whānau and put the work of DCM centre stage. We're so grateful to all those involved for putting on such an amazing night.
DCM fundraising events are a highlight of our year! Donations of food and funds help us continue our critical mahi. When the easier option is to step passed whānau who are sleeping rough and keep on walking, taking the time to kōrero, learn about the issue, and act in support of our most marginalised community members is more important than ever.
If you’re a student looking for a community project, a budding quiz master keen to host an event, or an office able to host a food collection bin for our Foodbank, please let us know.