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With less than 10 sleeps until Christmas, many families on the Coast will be worrying how to finance their festivities.
But thanks to the boundless generosity of the community, three charities have received an influx of donations through the annual Hibiscus Matters Christmas appeal.
Saving Hope Foundation volunteer Amy brought 10-month-old Cruz in to collect items donated for him, his foster siblings, and all the dogs that will find themselves in the care of the dog rescue charity this summer.
Woven Earth founder Kerryn Thrupp stopped by with Rachael McGregor to collect items donated to the charity that supports family violence survivors to rebuild their lives by helping furnish their new homes.
Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren’s Hibiscus Coast support coordinator, Donna Taylor, collected items donated to the organisation’s annual free shopping spree, which will enable grandparents to provide a festive holiday for the children in their care fulltime.
For those in need this Christmas, there is help available from Coast charities. Here are a couple of options:
With the joy of giving spreading across the Coast, Shoebox Christmas Rodney is asking for families in need to reach out to them. The community-driven initiative pairs people ready to donate a gift with children to ensure they experience the joy of a Christmas gift, fostering a strong sense of community and support for families facing hardship. Coordinator Louise Still said the initiative saw more than 70 parcels prepared and distributed to schools, kindergartens, and families when it was launched last year. Info: rodneykoha@gmail.com
Ōrewa Community Christmas Lunch, supported by Salt Community Trust, is at midday, December 25, at Bowls Ōrewa. Free of charge, all welcome, no booking required. Info: christmas@salttrust.org.nz
Still time to donate
Although the Hibiscus Matters Christmas appeal has now closed, there are still a number of other organisations who are collecting donations to support those in need this holiday season.
The Catalytic Foundation is running a Christmas Shoebox Project, working with local charities and businesses to ensure kids living in hardship in the Hibiscus Coast area and across the country do not go without a gift. Info: www.christmasshoebox.org.nz
A reported 56 per cent of women choose to stay in an abusive relationship out of fear for their pets’ safety. People who use violence will often threaten, injure and even kill a pet to control family members. Often survivors can’t take their pets with them when seeking refuge, fearing the pets will be harmed or killed if left behind. Pet Refuge removes this barrier by providing temporary shelter and care for pets, while their families escape domestic violence, until the can find a safe, pet-friendly home. Info: www.petrefuge.org.nz
Toyworld Silverdale is collecting toys to donate to Salvation Army Hibiscus Coast and welcome people coming in to support this worthy cause.
