Children will not miss out this Christmas

There are high hopes the generosity of the Waimate community will come to the fore once again this Christmas.

Waimate Mayoress Lyn Stringer is calling on people to donate a Christmas present for a child less fortunate than others.

“We had an amazing response last year when we put out the appeal and we’re very confident the public will respond in the same way this year,” says Mayoress Stringer.

Unwrapped, new gifts for girls and boys up to the age of 15 can be left at Waimate District. The close off is 4pm, Thursday 6 December 2018, at which time Salvation Army will collect the gifts.

“The Salvation Army, who do wonderful work in our community, are really thrilled with our offer to be a collection point for children’s gifts. They see an increase every year in the number of families that they are supporting, and at Christmas time there can be a lot of added financial stress on families.”

“The gifts don’t need to be expensive - things like a cuddly toy, bubble-bath, a book or an item of clothing would make ideal gifts, and be gratefully accepted.”

A Waimate Salvation Army spokesperson says, “We were delighted to be able to distribute the huge pile of donated gifts last year from under the Council’s Christmas Tree, and it was especially great to have a good amount of gifts for older children and teenagers.”

Mayoress Stringer added, “I was overwhelmed by the generosity from members of our community, and to hear from Council staff that mums and dads were bringing in their own children to place gifts under the tree to bless other children.”