Annual appeal needed more than ever

As we get towards the end of a long and difficult year, Mahurangi Matters is happy to announce that we are once again running our annual Christmas Appeal to help local children and families in need.

We will be collecting gifts at our office for Homebuilders Family Services and Women’s Centre Rodney, both of which have seen a significant spike in demand for their services in the wake of Covid-19.

Homebuilders coordinator Quentin Jukes and women’s centre manager Colleen Julian say they realise that money is even tighter for many people this year, and they are enormously grateful to anyone who can leave a present under the Mahurangi Matters Christmas tree.

They ask people not to worry about wrapping gifts, so parents know what they’re giving, and to please donate new items that encourage play and creativity, such as art supplies, books, indoor and outdoor games, sports equipment or things for the beach.

And they urge people not to forget teenagers, suggesting gift vouchers, balls, beach towels and inflatables, charger cables or earphones as a few ideas.

Both services would prefer not to receive any secondhand items (unless immaculate), soft toys, very cheap plastic or single use toys.

Gifts can be left under the tree at 17 Neville Street on weekdays between 8.30am and 5pm from Monday, November 9 until Monday, December 7.