The spirit of giving
Tarmra Heal-Palmer had a lot of presents to wrap for the recipients of The Christmas Project’s gifts this year. <em>Photo: Elise Vollweiler.</em>
Santa’s little helper has been distributing gifts up and downtown for dozens of Motueka children.
Tarmra Heal-Palmer founded The Christmas Project about eight years ago, because she didn’t want any child to wonder why Santa hadn’t visited them.
The number of families has grown over the years, and this week Tarmra and her helpers have distributed gifts to 200 children who otherwise might not have had much under their Christmas trees.
Families self-refer to the charity, and Tarmra says that people often share their stories.
“We’re seeing a new dynamic this year of parents who have lost their jobs.”
This year, donations have come to the charity from the fundraising efforts of Māpua School, Motueka High School and the Nelson Hospital junior doctors’ ball.
Tarmra tries to include some food in each parcel. She has also been gifted toys, toiletries and hand-made blankets from the community, and she has shopped for good-quality items to bring the magic to each child’s Christmas morning.