Skip to main content

An Otaki Community Christmas

“The plan to provide something to ease the burden of Christmas for some of our town’s families originated from Strengthening Families in Levin, who had funding for the year left over and decided to to buy hampers or presents for families with very little. A lot of community groups donated to this as well, in particular Subway, who set up a tree in both their Levin and Otaki stores, and asked people to leave presents there. 

As a result of people’s kindness, Strengthening Families ended up with so many presents that they asked us here at the House of Hope if we knew of any families who would appreciate a little help. Of course we did, and at this point we decided to involve members of the Kapiti Youth Council to deliver the presents donated. This was a very positive experience for the children involved, it served as a real eye opener for them, as they saw conditions which they had not realised existed in our town.We were also given a list of families from other budgeting services seen as deserving cases, and these families were given the extra presents which had been delivered to Subway in Otaki.

There are other organisations which perform a similar role at Christmas. Birthright donates hampers and gifts to single parent families, so we can help fill a gap which they cannot. We are able to help families where both parents are around, or where grandparents are the main care givers.

The generosity of people has been wonderful. A nearly new bike was donated by a little girl who was getting a new bike and so wanted to donate her old one. This has made one little boy really happy.We would really like to thank everyone who has played a role in this initiative, Strengthening Familes, CYFS, Kapiti Youth Council, Subway and of course the general public.”

In conversation with Chantal and Liz from the House of Hope.










Share Your Thoughts

Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Best Place at the Beach

Otaki Beach is gorgeous, we are extremely lucky to have this on our doorstep! There are so many parts of the beach that it's almost impossible to choose your favourite.    I'm not sure I can choose, which is why I'm putting it to you? What is your favourite area of the beach?  Add your photos to the comment section below. The Sand Dunes The sand dunes to the north of the Waitohu Stream, this part of beach is wild an rugged with drift wood, rolling sand dunes, wild grasses and the Waitahu stream. Dig your toes in the warm sand and gaze along this stretch of beautiful coastline. Remember, only leave your footprints behind.  You might also like to read  Whoever you are with, enjoy the view Waitohu Stream The Waitohu Stream is a great place to swim and play. With a gentle stream and rolling sand dunes it’s perfect for swimming playing in the dunes or watching the wildlife. You might also like to read  Splashing About at Otaki Beach The River Mou...
Post a Comment
Read more

Discovering Te Horo Beach

Mr 3 1/2 discovering Te Horo Beach for the first time, what an exciting time, a wild and ruggered beach full of drift wood to climb, shells to collect, stones to throw into the puddles and waves to jump and plenty of treasures to find. A very exciting afternoon playing on the beach followed by a picnic in Nanna and Poppa's caravan.
Read more

The Long Walk Home (Day 2) - By Zoe Mounsey

The Long Walk Home – day two Day two started very early for me and I was soon on the train to Mana ready to do it all again – a hot bath and a good night’s sleep had ensured that I was still raring to go.  My walking partner was not quite so raring to go as was suffering from a sore ankle but she had strapped it up and joined me at the start. The words of encouragement on the second day were from Porirua’s mayor and we were soon on our way. 
Read more