Spreading Christmas Cheer
Huapai District School Principal John Petrie gratefully accepts the delivery of Kumeū Rotary Christmas Hampers from Kindred Family Services’ Communications Manager, Rochelle Gillespie.
The Kindred Family Services’ team has been working as hard as Santa’s elves over the last few weeks, co-ordinating its annual Christmas Appeal, in an effort to ensure Christmas comes to those might otherwise have missed out.
Executive Director, the aptly-named, Ana Christmas, says being able to rally the community’s efforts to support those in need has been a humbling experience, especially with over double the number of deserving families on the list than last year.
“It has been a real privilege to co-ordinate this effort and see the community step up to help those who have shouldered the burden of lockdowns more than most,” she says.
158 families received support from Taupaki to South Head, including those in Riverhead, Waimauku, Huapai, Muriwai, Woodhill, Helensville and Parakai. They included 206 adults and 266 children and teenagers.
The reason for their need is varied. Some are in financial hardship after job losses, some are suffering anxiety or depression, some are living with family violence and some have suffered the loss of a loved one. There are also grandparents raising grandchildren and whānau who have had more mouths to feed as people moved home during lockdown.
The recipients are clients of Kindred Family Services, Outwest Youth, Parent Aid Northwest and Te Ha Oranga. Other families were nominated by local schools.
“By and large these are people who are doing their best to get by at a pretty tough time,” says Ana Christmas. “By offering this support, it’s an acknowledgement that they’re seen, that they’re cared for and that they’re recognised for the hard work they’re doing to push through despite this year’s many obstacles.”
“What a lovely surprise to receive the Christmas Hamper. I’d just like to thank you so much. It has been a real struggle, especially this week as I didn’t have any money for food and not much happening in the cupboards. I appreciate this so much and am feeling rather emotional.” - Christmas Hamper recipient
45 Christmas Boxes of non-perishable food being delivered and ready to share amongst Helensville Police, Outwest Youth, Kindred Family Services and Te Ha Oranga.
Kindred Family Services pulled together resources including 25 Christmas Hampers made by Kumeū Rotary and 45 Christmas Boxes organised through Helensville Police.
Its online Christmas Appeal raised $4000 which, along with funds from the Ministry for Social Development to support the community through COVID, was used to buy gift vouchers from local businesses.
Thank you very much! The thought alone, but also the generosity. I cannot say thank you enough to everyone involved in a gift such as this.
- Christmas Hamper recipient.
Christmas packs being prepared including vouchers and non-perishable food.
Ana Christmas says this year’s Christmas Appeal was different than past years because health and safety concerns around COVID-19 meant physical donations weren’t appropriate.
“But, the flip side of that is that because we received such generous financial support from donors and from the Ministry for Social Development, we were able to buy vouchers from local businesses who have also found it such a tough year, and pay forward some of the support we’ve been fortunate to receive from them over the years.”
She adds the other win is that parents and caregivers will get the pleasure of shopping for gifts for their own loved ones, “and that’s an experience everyone deserves to enjoy at this time of year.”
Kindred Family Services would like to thank everyone who donated to the online appeal as well as the following supporters:
Kumeū Rotary
Huapai Lions
Nga Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara
Helensville & Whangaparoa Police
The Source Bulkfoods Kumeu
Craig Walker Building Removals
Flourish Gift Store
Eleventh Hour
Paper Plus Helensville
Parakai Four Square
New World Kumeū.