Five years ago Brooke “Alfie” Butler, who is from the United Kingdom, visited New Zealand for three weeks, enough time to decide that he wanted to settle here for good. He returned to England for a further three weeks before jumping on a plane back to New Zealand.
Brooke began study at Victoria after 10 months living in Palmerston North. Determined to avoid debt, he worked between 30 and 55 hours a week as a bar manager, including long shifts in the weekend.
“During the week I would force myself to wake up really early to just shift my body clock back and do all the work. It’s always been a struggle but I managed it.”
Two years into his studies, after his friend Caitlin was diagnosed with three different types of cancer, Brooke set up Journey of Hope, a charity that raises money for New Zealanders who can’t afford medical treatment. The only drug that would work for Caitlin wasn’t funded in New Zealand and cost $9000 a month.
“My charity work made my days longer but more worthwhile,” says Brooke.
Sadly, Caitlin passed away in February this year, but Journey of Hope has provided assistance to many other people in need, and Brooke says he is impressed by the “incredible generosity” of New Zealanders. Journey of Hope also supplies financial backing to people who want to do something for patients with major illnesses in hospital, such as provide yoga or cooking classes.
Brooke, who completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in History and Religious Studies, says that studying at Victoria taught him how to work well under pressure within a limited timeframe. “Some of my lecturers were so passionate—it really blew my mind.”
He is continuing to work as a bar manager and is contemplating a nine-to-five job to free up more time for his charity.
“Whatever job I have I’ll always do this charity work in my own time.”