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The success of a Christmas Breakfast for those isolated or struggling in the Mahurangi community has prompted a Snells Beach single mother to think about holding similar events to be held every month.
Moana Hehepoto organised the breakfast with the help of her three children – Elizabeth, 16, Siu 19 and Evangeline, 24. About 70 people showed up to the breakfast at the Mahurangi East Community centre where they tucked into a hearty meal including pancakes, hash browns, cereals, bacon and Christmas cookies.
Some came from the immediate area around the centre, while others travelled from Wellsford, Kaiwaka and Te Hana.
She says the breakfast was aimed at people who did not have a lot of family around to share Christmas Day with or were finding it hard to make ends meet.
Moana says she was inspired to organise the breakfast following her own experiences trying to bring up three children and a grandchild as a single mother and facing tough times herself.
“Since my family and I moved to Snells Beach I have spent years making changes to my life, which then transferred to my family’s lives and lifestyle. This was made possible through my faith and the help and support of amazing people in the community,” she says.
She says the Christmas breakfast was a way of helping others connect with the community and enjoy similar support.
“I used to find things hard because I did things on my own. I was in survival mode. But I learned the value of friendship and allowing others to be part of your journey,” she says.
Some of the volunteers who came to help set up, cook and clean up afterwards came from as far away as Maungaturoto.
“We live in a rich community and I don’t mean rich in money. I mean rich in love and hope and faith,” Moana says.
She says the event could not have happened without the support of local churches, Food Rescue and generous families, and she is extremely grateful.
Moana is now looking to host community meals on a more regular basis and is seeking further community support to make it happen.
To help, contact Moana: 021 0246 1732 or talakimoana@gmail.com
