Published on 23rd of December, 2015
150 families and 40 older people have received Christmas food hampers and gifts through CMM's Support a Family programme.
They can now look forward to a brighter Christmas after each receiving a hamper that will enable them to enjoy a Christmas meal without worrying about how they can afford to do so. The Christchurch Methodist Mission provided frozen chickens to go with the hampers and children in each family received a present.
Support a Family has been run annually for over 10 years and is made possible through the generosity of individuals, families, churches and businesses who provide the hampers. The families and older people receiving hampers are clients that the Christchurch Methodist Mission has worked with throughout the year or are clients of other organisations. Because of the fantastic response from donors this year, the Christchurch Methodist Mission was able to provide hampers to families and older people being supported by Age Concern and Linwood Avenue Community Corner Trust.
"Christmas should be a time of joy and laughter for everyone in our community" says Jill Hawkey, CMM's Executive Director. "Unfortunately for many of the families and older people we work with, it's a time of financial pressure and despair as they are struggling to provide the basics for themselves and their loved ones – let alone gifts and treats for Christmas". "This year Support a Family will help families and older people throughout our community enjoy Christmas instead of feeling anxious about it".
Along with the generosity of donors, Support a Family enjoyed considerable support from local businesses and volunteers. This year staff members from Spark helped out on the hamper drop off day on Tuesday 22nd December. Bikes for children were also donated by volunteer group ICEcycles with staff from the Canterbury District Health Board donating helmets and locks.
