MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER
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Reason for the season alive and wellBy Julia Wade
Christmas in Mangawhai and Kaiwaka was highly visible over the festive season with carols by candlelight, twinkling colourful lights, and Santa Claus making a number of surprise visits. However the spirit of compassion and giving was more evident as the local community dug deep and gave to others who otherwise may struggle, reflecting the true essence of the season. Kaipara District Council’s also organised a food drive to help struggling Kaipara residents in the festive season. The council’s Christmas Cheer team, with members from both Dargaville and Mangawhai council offices, were busy throughout December collecting food donations for distribution. However at time of print, food parcel numbers were not yet known.
1: Members of Mangawhai Chiropractic and Vitality Centre helped make a difference this season with their food drive on December 2. New and existing clients were invited to donate non-perishable food items for a variety of treatments including WOF spinal check and massages. The items were then gifted to Te Whai Community Trust for their Aroha baskets and a similar event was also held in Matakana on December 3, which was even more successful. Inspiration for the two events was simple, Mangawhai Chiropractic new owner/manager, Dr Lindsay Best says, “I just like helping people and supporting my communities.” Pictured at rear, Dr Linsey Best (left) and chiro assistant/administrator Carla Rosseels. From front left Dr Kara Leach, massage therapist Ellie Hampton-Hunter and chiro assistant/administrator Pauline Lvette. 2: Canned goods, packet food, presents, chocolates and coffee were among the items that piled up in Te Whai Community Trust’s [TWCT] Aroha baskets throughout the season, for the organisation’s third annual food drive. Twenty-five baskets were distributed to struggling families in the Mangawhai area, who received general grocery items as well as a frozen chicken and vegetables for a Christmas dinner plus clothing and toys. Recipients were referred to TWCT through Plunket, early childhood centres and the local school as well as individual community members. TWCT secretary Sue Poynter says the Trust’s aim is to bring some joy and a little extra help to families who have had a rough year. “It is important to remember, especially at this time, that many families do not enjoy the same advantages that so many of us take for granted and how easy it is for a little sharing to make a difference to the lives of others. We are very grateful for all the donations from members of the community and businesses in the area.”
3: Mangawhai families in need also received Christmas hampers via goods pledged through Mangawhai’s Helping Hands online community as well as gifted through a first time Christmas event held at the local Domain. MHH and the Mangawhai Domain committee teamed up to present ‘Helping Hands Musical Family Christmas’ held on December 15. MHH co-founders, mother and daughter team, Suzie and Mikala Rogers say that along with donations from the event including profits from St John’s sausage sizzle and the Coffee Truck as well as an anonymous generous contribution, the group was able to double the amount of hampers from last year. “Last year we did six hampers by ourselves but this year we received enough items for 12 after we put it out to the community to help and 24 kids also got great presents,” she says. “Delivering hampers was a very humbling experience. It is so awesome that we can help families enjoy Christmas.” - PHOTO/Clive Dave |