Homebuilders – A caring community

By Quentin Jukes

It takes a lot to keep a person physically and emotionally well. It takes even more to keep a community physically and emotionally well. So here’s a big shout out and thank you, a nod of acknowledgement and round of applause for the following people who are:

• not driven by profit
• not driven by greed
• folk who are care givers, hope feeders and who look out for others.

So “yeah” to the baby clothes knitters, the crocheters of blankets for old and for young, those who look after children when their parents are sick, Foodbank volunteers, everyone who donated a voucher or a gift for others this Christmas, and the volunteer visitors of the elderly. Thank you to the surf life guards and sports coaches, music teachers, Kapa Haka Kaiako and those who give away veggies or eggs.

“Big ups” to the St John’s volunteers, play centre parents, budget advisors and Womens Refuge crew; people who drop off food to the grieving, the sick and new parents, fundraising ball organisers – you rippers, you rock, cheers to you all!

At the end of 2015, it was great that Homebuilders was able to be a conduit for food, gifts and gift vouchers donated by our generous community. For families under financial pressure this practical support made Christmas a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable. Thank you everyone who contributed this support to our local families.

At Homebuilders, we rely a lot on people’s generosity to keep our organisation functioning. So a special thank you to everyone who has supported our organisation in the work that we do with families, youth and children. Your support is critical to us.

Please help continue to spread the word that family violence isn’t OK, but it is Ok to ask for help. Best wishes to you all for a great 2016.