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Soon, the pohutukawa will be in blossom, strawberries will be in the shops and invitations for festive get-togethers will be circulating. Yes, the march to Christmas has started. But, unfortunately, it won’t be a joyful time for everyone. For many, the expectations that go with Christmas will magnify existing financial pressures, leading to a lot of stress and anxiety.
So, Mahurangi Matters is once again partnering with the Rodney Women’s Centre, Homebuilders and the Mahurangi Presbyterian Church to give readers the opportunity to make a difference to someone else’s Christmas through our annual Shine a Little Light Appeal.
We are asking you, our readers, to donate food, vouchers or presents for families in our district who might otherwise struggle to celebrate Christmas.
We are asking for the sort of food you would like to see on your Christmas table and the sorts of gifts you would like to see under your Christmas tree for you and your family.
Vouchers, as usual, are particularly welcome as there is no stigma attached to them and if they support a local business, they are giving twice.
We will be collecting these goods from now until December 12, which will allow the agencies time to deliver them.
Thank you in advance for your support and generosity.
We asked the Rodney Women’s Centre, Mahurangi Presbyterian Church and Homebuilders to tell us why this Christmas appeal is important. Here’s what they said:
Rodney Women’s Centre
This year has been challenging for many families, particularly with the higher cost of living. Women are finding it difficult to feed their families on a weekly basis so, for many, the extra costs of Christmas feel very overwhelming at the moment.
There has also been additional strain on relationships with increased break-ups, stretched family dynamics and changes in financial circumstances.
We have many older parents whose adult children pre-Covid were established on their life path, but now find themselves struggling, so have returned home to live with their parents. Many have never had to reach out for help before and these parents come to us very concerned about their adult children’s mental wellbeing, their anxiety and loss of confidence.
Our mission for Christmas this year is to make sure as many local families as possible can wake up on Christmas morning knowing that they have some gifts and food to share with their family and be set up to enjoy the day.
We also know that with the cost of living increase that mums/parents are putting their children’s needs first, so presents for them in this mix would be great. Vouchers for older children and young adults are always welcome.
Our focus is on helping people feel special with gifts and experiences. If gifts are wrapped, please let us know the gender and age the present would best suit.
Christmas Treat Box | Mahurangi Presbyterian Church
The Christmas Treat Box Appeal is a wonderful way for our community to support one another and to help families, who are finding life’s circumstances a bit of a challenge, to experience some of the joy of the Christmas season.
The distribution is made through the various social service organisations who serve and support the Mahurangi area – Homebuilders, Women’s Centre, Springboard, Budget Advice Service, Public Health nurse, Warkworth Midwives, Mahu Vision Trust, and local church groups. Last year 250 boxes were distributed.
Along with the support of Food Rescue, we hope businesses, social groups, sports clubs, neighbourhoods, families and individuals will again take up the opportunity to participate in the cause.
You can drop goods off marked for Christmas Treat Box at Mahurangi Matters office in Neville Street, the Museum Shop, Baxter Street, or Presbyterian Church, Pulham Road. You can also make a donation to Mahu Vision Community Trust Christmas Appeal, ASB Bank 123095 0240595 00.
Homebuilders
It is great to have Mahurangi Matters coordinating a collection of Christmas gifts again this year. It’s no surprise that the financial impact of Covid-19, spiralling accommodation costs and high inflation mean that more people are financially under stress. This financial pressure can make Christmas a time of worry and added emotional pressure. For families who are struggling to make ends meet, being able to come and choose a gift for each child is a huge relief. They know their children won’t feel left out and that is a big help for them as a parent and obviously for the children who receive the gifts too.
Sports equipment such as bats and balls, frisbees, buckets and spades, art materials and books are all great gifts. It’s particularly great to see gifts arrive which encourage creativity and play.
We are always keen to see people donate new items for children of any ages, but often children aged 11 to 16 are the ones it is trickiest to find gifts for. In the last couple of years there has been a lovely trend of people donating gift vouchers, as well as gifts. That has been wonderful because it allows parents to choose the gift their child gets. For the same reason, we are very happy for people to not worry about wrapping the gifts they donate because it lets the parents see what it is their child will be receiving.
We want to pass on all the heartfelt thanks from the many families who have accessed these donated gifts in the past. They make such a huge practical difference for the children and parents involved. It’s fantastic that we are all part of a community that has so many people willing to make this generous and practical gift of support to others families who are going through a hard time.
