Spirit of Christmas perfect time for Aroha Baskets

05 Dec, 2022

BY JULIA WADE

Christmas has begun to sprinkle its tinsel-wrapped fun around the land, bringing a much-looked-forward-to, and needed, holiday for many. It is no secret however that for some in the community the festive season only causes dread and pressure, with some families struggling to put food on the table let alone buy presents.

With Mangawhai’s renown generosity, help is on hand with donations already filling Christmas Aroha Baskets placed around the community by social advocate organisation, Te Whai Community Trust. The group hold the Christmas drive every year to ensure local families can have a Christmas dinner, and children a gift to open on the big day.

Te Whai general manager Kiri Eriwata says the drive has had great support this year with 13 businesses displaying the food and gift baskets.

“We are estimating a little over 100 baskets going out to families and individuals who are finding this time of the year difficult,” she says. “We want to ensure that every child in our community has at least one special gift for them this Christmas and we’ve had some wonderful donations already from business and community members donating new toys.

“Volunteers have made the beautiful woven baskets and been busy wrapping the gifts. It’s an incredible feeling knowing that we have such a caring community… we’ve definitely got some Christmas community vibes going on!

“Thank you to all our collection points, volunteers and generous donations from the community so far. Nga mihi aroha.”

n Christmas Aroha Boxes can be found at the following local businesses until December 7 to accept sealed goods with a festive focus and quality unwrapped toys. After that date, contact 027 220 088 to contribute: Mangawhai Opportunity Factory Shop, Mangawhai Museum, Mangawhai Heads Four Square, Mangawhai Chiropractic, Super Value Mangawhai Village, Bayleys Mangawhai, Tomorata Primary School, Mangawhai Beach School, Miniwhais, Fame Preschool, Before Six Daycare, Te Whai Community House, New World Mangawhai.

New World have come on board the Christmas Aroha Basket food drive with gifts under $10 now available to buy in store.