CENTRAL AUCKLAND HIGH SCHOOLS DONATE ARTWORK
TO FURNISH THRIVE, CHALLENGE TRUST’S
NEW EATING DISORDERS SERVICE

Art students at several large Auckland high schools are exhibiting their work in an unusual way – on the walls of Thrive, the new eating disorders service launched last month by leading recovery provider Challenge Trust.

Thrive operates from two buildings in Parnell, Auckland, including former halls of residence which, at the time they were identified for the service, were somewhat spartan in appearance. As part of a makeover designed to make the residence homely and comfortable for clients, Challenge Trust asked local schools to donate art for permanent display at Thrive.

“We requested art from a number of Auckland schools in the fortnight before the launch, and were given works by art students at St Peter’s College, Botany Downs Secondary College, and Epsom Girls’ Grammar School,” Challenge Trust CEO Clive Plucknett says. “I would like to sincerely thank, on behalf of our clients and the whole Thrive team, the art teachers and students of these schools.

“We were absolutely delighted with the response to our request, both in terms of the generosity of several dozen art students, and at the exceptionally high calibre of what has been donated. The quality of the work is extremely impressive, and we are proud to have New Zealand art of this standard on permanent display at Thrive.”

Works received included oils on canvas, watercolours, collages, prints and photographs. In accordance with Challenge Trust’s request, all reflected the ‘thrive’ theme.

Thrive is the result of an $8 million contract between Challenge Trust and the Auckland District Health Boards to provide residential and day programme treatment to 15- to 24-year-olds with eating disorders. It is the first service of its kind in the upper North Island.

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