Give The Gift Of Giving This Christmas

The Waimate Christmas Child initiative is back for the eighth time, aiming to ensure no child misses out on waking up to presents on Christmas morning.

A Christmas tree has been set up in the Waimate District Council reception area on Queen Street, where the public can leave gifts to be distributed by Community Link before Christmas.

While the festive season can be one of the highlights of the year, it can also put extra strain on families already struggling to make ends meet.

Mayoress Lyn Stringer, who leads the initiative, working closely with Community Link, said the capacity of the community to give is “phenomenal”.

“We have had parents coming in with their children to donate gifts, and it is a valuable lesson for them. Christmas is about giving as well as getting,” she said.

“They do not have to be big, expensive gifts, every little bit helps.”

“Anyone can fall on hard times, especially at the moment with the high cost of living, and we want to ensure every child gets something on Christmas Day.”

The initiative takes referrals from a wide range of social services, and it is important to note that all the gifts are given to families within the Waimate District.

Gifts need to be brand new, unwrapped, and can be dropped off at the Waimate District Council reception by 4.30pm on Friday 6 December.

Last year, 92 packages of presents were distributed.