Mahurangi Matters opens its office door to the public for the first time in months this week – perfect timing for the newspaper’s annual Christmas appeal.
Now anybody can pop in and put a gift under the Christmas tree to help out a family in need.
Once again, Mahurangi Matters will be collecting gifts on behalf of Homebuilders Family Services and Women’s Centre Rodney.
This year, we are especially encouraging the giving of gift vouchers from local businesses. This will give local business a much needed boost and also give families more flexibility in choosing their gifts.
Apart from that, Homebuilders coordinator Quentin Jukes says ideal gifts include anything that encourages outside play, such as balls, sports equipment and things for the beach, and anything that encourages creativity such as art supplies and books.
Women’s Centre counsellor Bridget Farmiloe says in addition to gifts for young children, also think of ones appropriate for older children, teenagers and Mum. She says a giving a voucher that will create an “experience”, such as a visit to favourite ice cream parlour, can be as rewarding as a physical gift.
Both Quentin and Bridget say Covid has made life especially tough for families this year. Quentin points to high levels of anxiety among children and Bridget says it’s been hard on single mothers, who have been obliged to continuing working while looking after their children at home.
So give a much-needed boost to a stressed out family this year, and pop a gift under the Mahurangi Matters Christmas tree. Please just remember to wear a mask.
