Our Story
Making a Difference
Street Kai Missionaries is a food charity organisation dedicated to serving the community in the Northern Suburbs of the Wellington Region by providing ready-made meals and food parcels to individuals in need, with a focus on improving the quality of life for those in underserved areas.
Jiwan was the heart and soul behind SKM where the journey began with a divine vision, street praying and revelation to feed the community. With resounding agreement from other fellow believers, SKM was born and Jiwan became the Cook and one prayer at a time, inspired by this calling, we have embarked on a journey to nourish the bodies and souls of those in need. Our passion and dedication have made a tremendous impact since our founding in 2022 thanks to the help of God, many prayers, sponsors, donors and volunteers in the community. We are grateful! Join us in supporting our efforts to bring hope and compassion while improving lives through much-needed food.
What We Do
Recognising the enormity of the challenges our society faces, Street Kai Missionaries is dedicated to meeting an immediate need and making a lasting impact.
Where every meal is a symbol of hope and solidarity. In a world where food insecurity affects millions, we stand as a beacon of compassion and support. Our mission is simple yet profound: to alleviate hunger, nourish communities, and foster dignity for all.
At SKM, we believe that access to nutritious food is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. We recognise the diverse challenges individuals and families face in putting food on the table, whether due to economic hardship through increased cost of living, those living on their own and those in poor health.
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Volunteering
Transforming Lives & Helping those in need.
Join us at SKM where every meal serves a purpose, and every act of kindness makes a difference.
Our team of 17 volunteers come from various cultures, churches & nationalities.
Through the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers and the generosity of our donors including Trinity Baptist Church where we utilise their fully equipped commercial kitchen to prepare food, we have been able to make a tangible difference in the lives of many individuals, driven by a united passion to see food in bellies.
But our work goes beyond just filling empty stomachs. We believe in the power of food to heal, to unite, and to uplift spirits. Every meal we serve carries with it a message of solidarity and care, reminding those in need that they are not alone in their struggles.
As we embark on this journey together, we invite you to join us in our mission. Whether through volunteering your time, making a donation, or simply spreading the word, your support can make a profound impact on the lives of those who need it most.
Kind thanks to our Sponsors!
KaiBosh Wellington
Tessabaty
Brezelmania
Village Bakery & Cafe
(Tawa)
Testimonials
"Thanks to all our amazing volunteers who have been carefully rescuing and sorting the second sort ‘Kitchen Kai’, we’ve had food to offer new groups like Street Kai Missionaries. John and Sandra are part of a group of volunteers at Trinity Baptist Church kitchen in Titahi Bay, where they use the rescued kitchen kai from Kaibosh to create nutritious meals, bake scones, cakes and prepare food parcels for families in need. They are now making up to 77+ meals a week and deliver to homes, on the streets, under a bridge, those living in cars and tents."
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We’re All Here for Each Other
"My husband John and I enjoy volunteering. We have a passion for helping people through food. We do breakfasts in schools, and we started a Street Kai Missionaries group where we reach sole parents and people living on the streets with a hot meal at least once a week.
We’ve seen that there are so many families out there who are struggling, and the numbers of people needing help are increasing. We wanted to do a bit more, and so we got involved with Tā te Manawa.
In Tā te Manawa, you really see the love that staff and volunteers show for everyone who comes here. We really enjoy getting to know the people who come in. Even if someone is feeling highly strung or having a hard time relating to people, I try to step in and say, “Hi, how are you?” to help them feel a bit more at ease. It’s important for our manuhiri to know that they are welcome here, and they aren’t being judged.
It’s very important that we’re here. Those who are living on the streets, or are alone and have no other connections, can know that they always have a place to come. They can relax, be with friends, and have a healthy meal or a hot coffee. I like hearing everyone chatting together – it’s like listening to the birds in the morning! I think it’s a relief for people to get out of their homes and talk together, especially when the weather is so cold!
Volunteering is really awesome. There’s something out there for everyone, so I’d say it’s worth a go! Getting by in society is very challenging for some people, so it’s important to let everyone know that we’ve got each other’s backs and that we’re all here to help if someone needs it."
Board of Trustees
Rosemary Wallis
Rosemary and her husband Graeme, residents of Thorndon, have dedicated their lives to serving others. After 17 years of managing an international university student Christian hostel, they recently entered retirement. Their journey of service has taken them across the globe, from teaching in New Zealand to ventures in Rarotonga, Canada, India, and Lebanon. Despite retiring, their passion for travel remains, both within Aotearoa and beyond. They possess a deep-seated desire to see people from all walks of life experience the transformative power of faith in the Lord Jesus Messiah. With three children and nine grandchildren, family holds a special place in their hearts. They are actively involved members of Capital Vineyard in Thorndon. Rosemary's recent accomplishment includes the publication of her book titled "Fresh Fire Revelation, Revival and Renewal in New Zealand/Aotearoa 1766-2023," reflecting her dedication to spreading spiritual insight and renewal.
Sandra Newman
Sandra is a retired Secretary/Administrator and brings her wealth of experience to the role of Trustee and Secretary/Treasurer for our charity. With a background in administrative roles and extensive involvement in various organisations, Sandra is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees for three other trusts and volunteers her time to support numerous causes. Sandra plays a vital role in our charity's operations, from shopping for essential supplies like meat and baking ingredients for SKM to collecting food donations from sponsors like Kaibosh and Brezelmania. Her dedication extends to assisting the SKM team with food preparation, ensuring that our team receives the support they need.
Jiwan Shaker
Jiwan Shaker, serving as a Trustee, brings a wealth of dedication and experience to SKM. As a founding trustee, Jiwan has been deeply involved in shaping our organisation's mission and vision from its inception. Outside of her charitable work, Jiwan volunteers at her local church, embodying a spirit of service and community engagement. She is also the author of 'From Dreams to the Truth'. In her role at SKM, Jiwan takes on a variety of responsibilities, including preparing meals and overseeing the operation of our cook facilities. Her strategic thinking and hands-on approach are instrumental in guiding SKM towards achieving its goals. Additionally, Jiwan plays a crucial role in packing essential items, ensuring that our initiatives run smoothly and effectively.
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Sam Lim
Sam serves as a dedicated Trustee, currently holding the position of Chairperson within SKM. In this role, Sam undertakes various responsibilities essential to the charity's operations. These include overseeing shopping for SKM, maintaining delivery lists, preparing nourishing meals, packing essential items, coordinating logistics, and ensuring timely delivery of food. With unwavering commitment and a compassionate heart, Sam contributes significantly to the charity's mission of providing support to those in need.
a Reflection...
written by Sam Lim (Chairperson)
"At Street Kai Missionaries, our mission extends beyond merely distributing meals; we provide nourishment and hope to a diverse community grappling with various challenges.
Our recipients come from diverse backgrounds, each facing unique challenges. Among them are:
o The Homeless: We find them sleeping next to car parks and under bridges, seeking refuge wherever they can.
o Single Mothers with Children: These resilient women juggle parenting responsibilities while navigating life’s hardships.
o Disabled People: Their daily struggles are compounded by physical limitations.
o Elderly in Need: Aging gracefully isn’t always easy, especially when self-care becomes a challenge.
o Cancer Patients: Battling illness takes immense strength, and we aim to provide nourishment during their fight.
o Families Facing Financial Hardships: Economic hardship affects not only parents but also their children.
One of the families we serve is headed by a devoted grandmother who single-handedly looks after her five grandchildren, whose ages range from primary school to college. Two of the children have ADHD. Despite the daily challenges they face, the children eagerly await our arrival each day and their faces light up with joy and curiosity about the day's meal. One young boy expressed his admiration for our work and shared his dream of joining our efforts when he grew up. This heartwarming interaction underscores the impact of our mission to not only feed
bodies but also inspire young minds.
In another household, it was the children who greeted us at the door. Over time, we learned that their mother suffered from severe panic attacks that left her unable to interact with strangers. It was a profound journey, but after nine months of perseverance, gradual exposure and prayer, she began to regain her independence and is now ready to engage with the world around her. Our help and interaction with her and her family has given her hope for herself and the outside world.
In another household, we deliver food to a home where three families reside under one roof. Tragically, they recently experienced the devastating loss of a family member to suicide. This event has left the family in a state of grief and difficulty. Our regular visits offer not just sustenance but also a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles.
At Street Kai Missionaries, every meal served embodies the Christian values of compassion, service and charity. As we share these meals, we see them as more than just nourishment for the body; they are also an expression of hope and healing for the spirit. Our commitment is deeply rooted in the teachings of Christ, who called us to feed the hungry and care for the afflicted.
Inspired by the stories of those we serve, we are driven to continue our work with unwavering compassion and dedication, recognising the profound impact that acts of Christian love can have in our community."