Waimate Christmas Child marks sixth year

As Christmas draws nearer, Waimate District residents are being encouraged to get in to the giving spirit and support Waimate Christmas Child.

The annual initiative, now in its sixth year, is spearheaded by Mayoress Lyn Stringer, who has helped to coordinate hundreds of gifts to families doing it tough every year during the festive season.

Reflecting on the success of the initiative, Lyn is thrilled with the community support, pointing out the collection and donations continue to grow every year.

“It is incredibly heartening how generous Waimate residents are when it comes to children at Christmas time,” Lyn said.

“I love seeing the amazing gifts that are given for the children of families struggling for all number of reasons. Over the years, we have had beautiful books, toys and clothing for babies’ right up to board games for families and a local business even donated swimming passes for our local swimming pool.”

The initiative is in conjunction with Community Link Waimate, with all gifts wrapped and distributed to local families in need in the days leading up to Christmas Day.

“As the year comes to an end, there can be a lot of added financial stress on families doing it tough. There will be many out there doing their best and struggling through, and this initiative is a great way to put the smiles on the children’s faces and make things just that little bit easier for some,” Lyn added.

“(In advance), I’d like to extend a big thanks to everyone that gets behind this cause.”

Anyone wishing to participate can now come into Council’s reception foyer and place a new, unwrapped gift for a girl or boy up to the age of 15 years under the Christmas tree. This year, due to health and safety reasons, no stuffed toys are able to be accepted. All food items and non-perishable goods can go directly to the Waimate Community Foodbank on Glasgow Street, Waimate.

All donations must be received by midday on Friday 9 December 2022.