Staff at Jigsaw Central Lakes are going head-to-head this month, in an effort to raise money for the not-for-profit organisation.
Manager Tina Mongston said the Queenstown-based staff had been split into two groups and tasked with "out-fundraising" each other. All money raised would be earmarked for youth programmes.
The centre is primarily government-funded, through the Ministry of Social Development, along with additional funding by agencies including the Central Lakes Trust and Community Trust of Southland.
However, the money received stretched only so far and often it was youth - aged between 12 and 20 - who were overlooked, she said.
"We want to put some more focus into youth services, expanding our range of activities ... and I guess just future-proofing the youth side of things," Ms Mongston said.
"A lot of people are really willing to fund children's activities and programmes. For us, it's just about highlighting that our youth are a big part of our community and they need just as much."
Jigsaw provides a 24-hour counselling service for youth along with a secondary school programme which can be delivered in schools providing advice on advocacy and safety planning.
Ms Mongston also hoped to develop a youth programme specifically for those who had been exposed to family violence.
"There is nothing like that in the region. Nationally, there's not a great deal out there.
"We want to look at the possibility of doing some group work with both genders and even possibly exploring whether we could do some activities ... for example, going on hikes."
One team at the centre had called themselves the "B63s" and would be approaching businesses to give a percentage of their sales for October to Jigsaw, along with a raffle.
The other team, "5-4-T", had come up with a unique challenge, in which five people from different walks of life would be invited to a Jigsaw staff member's home for dinner.
Strengthening Families and Family Violence regional co-ordinator Philippa Winter said guests would provide their own refreshments but pay for the meal, and the host would advise the cost for the night.
All money will go to Jigsaw, but at the end of the evening each dinner guest will be challenged to hold their own "5-4-T" event.
The dinners will also provide an opportunity for discussions around family violence to raise awareness and educate the community.
Anyone can host a "5-4-T" event.
However, a Jigsaw Central Lakes staff member will be required to attend to help discussions.
Jigsaw clinical leader Zane Ferula said the events were not just about raising money.
"It's about advocacy and providing correct information ... it's not just about fundraising - it's about awareness."
Another fundraiser is "Cup for a Kid", in which cafes would be approached to give 1c from every hot drink sold to the centre.
"It could become a Plate for a Kid, a Ride for a Kid, a Cookie for a Kid or a Cupcake for a Kid.
"It's such a transient community and a lot of [customers] aren't from here, whereas for businesses, this is their community - these are their children, their families [so] it's really about businesses putting their hands into their pockets.
"What's a cent on every cup of coffee? But it does start adding up ... it becomes something that could change someone's life."
Anyone interested in assisting with fundraising should contact Jigsaw Central Lakes on (03) 441-0009.
