Asking people what they would take to a desert island is sooo last year and, frankly, rather dull. So this holiday season, the Summer Times has upped the ante.
We have kept the desert island, but made the whole shebang super-difficult by painting a carefully crafted scenario commensurate with the skills of the professionals and leaders to whom we put the question. How will they respond?
Will they be able to stand the pressure of ... David Loughrey's Desert Island Conundrum?
For 25 years, the Rev Dave Brown was behind the Christmas Day dinner at the St Andrew St Church of Christ, over that time helping thousands celebrate the season.
Never one to forget the needy, Mr Brown is also the chairman of the Dunedin Night Shelter, which offers emergency accommodation.
Dave's challenge is: Name three things you would take to a desert island that has no night shelter, and needs one.
Some caring mates. I guess you could open a night shelter on your own, but it would be tough. Having a team of compassionate mates makes it fun. (But we would also need at least a coffee bar with a supply of beverage to hold our meetings in.)
Some money to buy a house and food. It is not much fun going to bed on an empty stomach. Bed and food is true hospitality.
And there is something weird and extremely frustrating when a night shelter itself becomes homeless. It is a bit like a ''Pub with no beer!''
A caring community. (Just like Dunedin) When care for the vulnerable is seen as an expression of what ''community'' means, bridges are built, walls broken down and solidarity enjoyed.
We travel the journey of life together.