Waimate Operation Christmas Child

Waimate District Council is encouraging members of the public to leave a gift for a child at Council to help a local family struggling financially this Christmas.

The initiative, now in its third year, is being run by Mayoress Lyn Stringer, who is encouraging people around the district to come into Council and place a small, unwrapped gift for a girl or boy up to 15 years old at the collection point in Council’s foyer.

Lyn says the collection is growing each year with the amount of toys and gifts being donated.

“The Salvation Army is really thrilled with the offer of a collection point for children’s gifts, as they have many families that struggle financially at Christmas time, and these will be distributed before Christmas.”

“Every year they see an increase in the number of families they’re supporting – and at Christmas time there can be a lot of added financial stress on families.”

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

The deadline for dropping off a gift is midday on Friday 29 November 2019. The Salvation Army will collect the gifts, wrap them and distribute them to local families in time for Christmas Day.