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As decorations go up and fairy lights begin to twinkle in shop windows, it’s easy to forget that not everyone is looking forward to Christmas.
For many Rodney families the festive season brings added pressure, particularly with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
That’s why this year’s Mahurangi Christmas Appeal is more important than ever.
In partnership with Homebuilders, Women’s Centre Rodney and Warkworth Christian Foodlink, Mahurangi Matters is once again calling on the community to help make the holidays a little brighter for those doing it tough.
Women’s Centre Rodney manager Jo Nicholson says they always really appreciate the support of the community and last year the appeal was invaluable.
“It’s not just about the presents that get donated. The gift is one thing, but what it shows is that the community cares. It lightens the load for those in need, but also provides reassurance and connection.
“At the moment we’re seeing families dealing with the cost of living, and the mental load of that. Then
Christmas amplifies stress because people want to make it right for their kids or do something special.
“So any small act of kindness can make a huge difference.”
Nicholson says donations such as vouchers or family experiences are always appreciated.
“We had a lot of vouchers for local businesses last time around, things like Action Ninja World (in Matakana) and other local activities that helped families do things together over Christmas.”
Nicholson adds that the need isn’t limited to families already with social agencies.
“It’s also small business owners and people who are usually the givers. They’re finding things tougher than normal. So just knowing that the community is wrapping around everybody right now is great.”
Homebuilders coordinator Quentin Jukes says the appeal remains one of the most meaningful projects of the year.
“It’s literally a gift to children and their parents who are struggling. Being able to help kids to feel like other kids, that they get to experience Christmas in a similar way – it’s a really beautiful thing to do.
“Last year’s donations were fantastic. Sadly, there’s never any trouble getting rid of the presents. The demand is always really high.”
He says one of the most powerful aspects of the appeal is the way it gives parents agency.
“Where possible we like providing the gifts unwrapped so that parents can choose ones that are appropriate for their children.
“We also encourage people to consider things like toys that kids can use outside – balls, rackets, beach equipment – and also things they can use when the weather’s bad, like books, games and art equipment.”
Jukes adds, “The appeal gets to one of the core parts of our business, which is thinking and caring about others. Taking the time to be generous with our love and care for those that aren’t doing so well.”
Warkworth Christian Foodlink manager Lara Armstrong says last year’s appeal made a huge difference.
“It was absolutely amazing. It topped up our shelves and gave us a lot of extras that we just didn’t have the budget to buy.”
Every year the church fundraises to cover 300 Christmas boxes but those are taken up really fast, she says.
“On top of those, we have our parcels with pantry fillers that we provide every week. So people get these basic parcels, but then they also get festive items in those parcels that come from the appeal.
“Last year it was awesome: Roses chocolates, big sampler boxes of biscuits, candy canes, chocolate Santas, grape juice – all sorts of treats.”
In general, Armstrong says this year demand for Foodlink’s parcels remains high.
“We’re fully booked every day this week. On Thursdays we feed between 55 and 65 people. I think so many people aren’t aware of the level of demand.
“Some of those we help are working families: two adults, two or three children with both parents working. It’s rent, school holidays, tyres, everything. It feels never-ending.”
Armstrong says even small contributions help.
“Just donating food into the boxes, which we’ve got at New World, Woolworths and Hope Church. Or giving financially – even $10 a week makes a huge difference.
“Imagine if 200 people decided to get behind that. It would be huge.”
How to help:
Donations of non-perishable food and unwrapped gifts can be left under the Mahurangi Matters Christmas tree at 17 Neville Street, Warkworth, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm
You can also donate directly to Christian Foodlink (account 01-0482-0005321-11
Reference: Christmas and your name)
or drop items at the Hope Church and Community Centre, 22 Mansel Drive.
