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Parents were overjoyed to receive gifts of toys for their children after Mahurangi Matters readers dug deep to help those struggling over Christmas. Homebuilders Family Services collected around three car loads of gifts that readers left under the Christmas tree in the Mahurangi Matters office to distribute to families needing extra support.
Messages of appreciation came thick and fast from grateful mums and dads.
“This is incredible! I didn’t think I would be able to get anything for them, now they all get something they’ll love,” said one father of four.
A mother of three added: “I can’t believe it; this has helped our family so much. The children are getting a Christmas now.”
Another mother of two said. “This is absolutely amazing. Thank you so much to everyone who donated these gifts, my kids will love them.”
Readers also contributed a car-load of food to Warkworth Christian Foodlink. The food was used to help supply 150 Christmas boxes for families in difficult circumstances. Food was distributed via various social service agencies including Springboard, Harbour Hospice, Te Waka Youth and Women’s Centre Rodney. The Christmas boxes were in addition to 430 food boxes provided by Christian Foodlink throughout the year.
Foodlink manager Roger Mackay says the support of community groups, local businesses and individuals is most appreciated and essential if Foodlink is to continue to meet the needs of the community.
Mahurangi Matters also highlighted Hestia Rodney Women’s Refuge as a good place to donate gifts of toys.
Refuge manager Pam Adams says the refuge received an “overwhelming” level of donations from the Rodney community. Ms Adams said supportive businesses included the Warehouse in Snells Beach, Harcourts Real Estate and Riverside Matakana.
“On behalf of myself, our staff, and most importantly the women and children in our refuge and those we assist who are living within the community, thank you all very, very much. Our communities are truly amazing,” she said.
