Christmas aroha baskets help ease the pressure

JULIA WADE

With Christmas just a few weeks away, excitement is growing in anticipation of the big day, especially for the younger members of the community.

However it is well known that the festive season can also cause financial stress for some families, especially after a year like 2020 with the added pressure of Covid-19.

In keeping with the giving spirit of the season and making it easy for locals to help out struggling Mangawhai families, social advocate organisation, Te Whai Community Trust has begun their annual food and gift drive to fill their Christmas aroha baskets.

Donation boxes were placed in handy locations several weeks ago and have already collected a variety of items from locals, Te Whai projects manager Kiri Eriwata says.

“We believe we’ll possibly end up making more than 70 baskets this year, and are looking for donations of non-perishable foods, treats and unwrapped gifts for children 0-18 years,” she says.

“This year the parcels are all made with woven baskets and are carefully prepared for each recipient to bring some joy for people and their whanau at this festive time.”

Collection boxes can be found at: MIniwhais Childcare, Kakariki Health Store, Mangawhai Beach School, Tomarata School, Mangawhai Kindergarten, Mangawhai Museum, BeforeSix Childcare, Mangawhai Vitality Centre, Mangawhai Heads 4 Square, St John Op Shop (Mangawhai Village), Mangawhai Opportunity Factory Shop

§ For more information contact Te Whai Community Trust Mangawhai, Rose Madsen Cottage, 73 Moir Street, Mangawhai, phone 021 149 6633 or visit Te Whai facebook or tewhaicommunitytrust.co.nz.

Up to 70 aroha baskets could be made this year thanks to generous donations.