Christmas cheer amongst challenges

The need in our community has grown, and Motueka has risen to the challenge.

That is the message from Community House manager Jane Henderson, who is already working with her team to plan this year’s Community Christmas Get-Together.

The day will involve a festive lunch and dessert, as well as wrapped presents for every attending child, and a “give-and-take” table full of pampering treats for adults and extra treasures for kids.

Jane has seen the need in the community continue to rise, with more families struggling to make ends meet, and Christmas brings a whole new level of financial and emotional stress.

“The need is continually growing at the moment, and I just can’t see that changing rapidly any time soon.”

She is asking the community to start looking around their homes to find good-quality items that they can donate to the cause.

Homemade preserves were well received last year, as they felt like a personal touch from one person to another, and toiletries and festive chocolates were appreciated too.

Basically, “things that make people feel cared about at Christmas, because I know it can be a really lonely time for people that don’t have family nearby”.

A big category to fill is children’s toys.

“I’m just adamant that no kid is going to be left out,” she says, adding that either new or clean second-hand items would be gratefully received.

“Get your kids to have a look in their toy box and see what they’ve enjoyed but they’ve outgrown. That can be their gift to the community.”

Jane says they were expecting to cater for about 200 people at the barbeque Christmas dinner, which is to be held on Saturday, 21 December. There will be presents for everyone to take away with them, as well as 120 pantry boxes with some Christmas dinner indulgences.

These will be earmarked for families that have been pre-nominated by supporting agencies, or people can enquire in advance at reception.

While the community need is increasing, the funding for Community House has “gotten a bit tight” with central government changes, Jane says.

Talleys, Tasman District Council and Motueka New World are always generous sponsors of the event, which is in its third year, and Jane says that monetary donations towards the Christmas Get-Together are also gratefully received.

“[People] could think of it as sponsoring a Christmas present,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be a lot of money – every bit helps.”

Donations of gifts can be dropped into Community House in Decks Reserve during weekdays.

Monetary donations can be made to reception or via bank transfer to: Motueka Community House, NBS 03 1354 0540359 00, Ref: Christmas donation.

Community House will also be the recipient of the Sprig & Fern quiz night on Tuesday, 10 September, and Jane is encouraging the community to get behind this event, with the promise of fantastic prizes.

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