Published on 11th of February, 2024
Strong support from Christmas hamper donors turned what would otherwise have been a bleak period into a joyful time for families across Christchurch once again.
Now into its 16th year, CMM’s Support a Family Christmas appeal matches donors to families in need to provide them with a personalised Christmas hamper. Hampers include gifts for the children and food items to fill their pantry and provide a Christmas meal.
Support a Family Coordinator Glenda Marshall says the initiative’s purpose is to bring joy to children and relief to their parents who are struggling to make ends meet.
“Here at the Mission we know that the past few years particularly have been tough on disadvantaged families. Too many children would wake up without presents under the tree or food on the table if it were not for the incredible generosity of Support a Family donors,” says Glenda.
CMM staff and volunteers distributed hampers to over 650 individuals, including 408 children, on the last Thursday before Christmas from the pop-up Support a Family Distribution Centre at the Christchurch North Methodist Parish in Papanui.
“It’s been my privilege to run this event for the past 12 years,” says Glenda. “Over this time, I’ve seen the need for support over the festive season grow in the community. And every year individuals, families, parishes and businesses have opened their hearts to our appeal, and responded with incredible kindness and generosity.”
Glenda says that none of this is lost on the families who receive a hamper and that it is quite common to hear recipients say how good it is to be reminded that people do actually care. “I can’t tell you how often I hear from them that they’re amazed that someone they don’t know is willing to help them out in this way.”
Niva Chittock from RNZ’s Checkpoint programme was one of several reporters that covered the event, speaking with donors and families, and interviewing Glenda. As Niva reported, picking up her hamper brought some joy after a tough year for one single mother of four. “It’s really hard at the moment, as it is for many other families as well. I’m over the moon to be honest, it’s going to help so much. We’re really going to have a Christmas.”
CMM sincerely thanks all those who took part in this year’s Support a Family initiative, from our donors to our distribution day volunteers who lifted everyone’s spirits in their reindeer and elf attire! Your generosity and kindness brought Christmas cheer to those who need it most.
