Xmas hampers for poverty line families

Ōtautahi -This year, more families than ever will struggle to have a Christmas as rising costs of living and inflation push them over the poverty line.

Many parents will have to choose between paying the bills or buying Christmas presents for their children.

For more than 14 years, Christchurch Methodist Mission’s support a family initiative has ensured many families do not miss out on Christmas.

The support a family scheme matches donors to families to provide them with a personalised Christmas hamper containing gifts for children and food items including Christmas essentials.

This year the mission is projected to reach more than 600 people, including 400 children.

The financial burden of Christmas on whānau during normal times can be immense but putting food on the table and presents under the tree when inflation is high is so much harder.

Every parent wants their children to experience the joy of Christmas and the mission a support a family initiative ensures they can.

The impact of this initiative every year is huge, with recipients expressing their gratitude for the kindness of strangers. Families are often overcome with emotion when they pick up their hampers.

One family person said when they pick up their hamper they just sat in their car and cried. It was the first time in a long time their son had had a proper Christmas.

Support a family coordinator Glenda Marshall says the hampers ensure families do not feel isolated and alone at Christmas.

“Families are amazed that someone they don’t know is willing to help them out. It’s quite common to hear recipients say how good it is to be reminded that people do actually care.”

The distribution of hampers will be held at the Chapel Street Centre in Papanui on December 22 with donors dropping off hampers in the morning and families receiving them in the afternoon.

 The Christchurch City Mission was launched in 1929 when a few caring volunteers handed bowls of stew to unemployed men at the beginning of the Great Depression.

Now they are a significant social service agency which positively impacts on the lives of 60,000 people a year through their wide range of services.

Their headquarters at 276 Hereford St offers services which a foodbank; learning and development programmes for men and women; emergency accommodation for men and women; a residential detox unit; a social worker hub, addiction counsellors, budget adviser, and a medical unit.