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A local domestic violence charity fears its annual Christmas appeal will be hard hit by Covid-19 this year, with many people who usually donate to them experiencing hardship or unable to shop normally.
Hestia Women’s Refuge traditionally provides gifts, toys and food for women and children in need, thanks to donations from community group and individuals, but this year it faces a raft of financial and logistical restraints.
A spokeswoman said a key example was that of a church group that usually provided “amazing” food hampers for them, but were unable to do so this year.
“We’re really struggling,” she said. “The whole Covid thing is just making everything so much harder for everyone.”
However, staff have devised a strategy to make it as easy as possible for people to support Hestia either online or remotely.
“For example, we’re doing a toy drive, where we’ll ask people to email us and we’ll arrange delivery or collection options. Vouchers and non-perishable food are also great,” she said. “We also have a Givealittle page, where people can donate money that we can use to buy gifts if people don’t want to go shopping.”
She said while a bank transfer might not seem like the most demonstrative way of sharing Christmas cheer, it would mean Hestia could target funds where they were needed most.
Brand new unwrapped gifts, non-perishable food and vouchers can also be left at The Kowhai Tree, Hestia’s shop in Silverdale village, which reopened on November 10 (but donations for the shop itself still cannot be accepted at this stage).
“We are also always short of presents for 12 to 18-year-olds,” the spokeswoman added.
“Every little bit helps, and we really appreciate everyone’s support.”
Info: Hestia Rodney Women’s Refuge on Facebook or call 021 660 362 during office hours.
Here’s how you can help Hestia:
New, unwrapped toys for all ages, women’s gifts, store vouchers and non-perishable food can be collected by Hestia until December 15 –
For pick-ups in Rodney, north of Puhoi and up to Mangawhai and Kaiwaka, email claudia@hestia.org.nz
For Hibiscus Coast and Rodney, south of Puhoi, email robyn@hestia.org.nz
Monetary donations – givealittle.co.nz/org/hestia
New, unwrapped toys for all ages; women’s gifts; store vouchers and non-perishable food can be left during opening hours at The Kowhai Tree, 29F Silverdale Street, Silverdale.
