Your Impact
Hug says it's going to be OK
"My kids have never had a big birthday or Christmas – it’s thanks to the Mission that I can put gifts under the tree and a meal on the table when Christmas rolls around.”
“To me, the Mission is a big capital Everything. Right from emotional stability, to making me feel like I’m needed – you go there [to the Mission] for help, and leave feeling better. Like you have a reason to carry on. Clothes, blankets, travel, Christmas presents, even a hug that says it's going to be okay.”
Read Becky's full story here
FROM BECKY
FROM NICK
I can give my kids presents
I had a stroke at 45 which means I can’t work and because I’m a sickness beneficiary I can’t afford to go out much, so I get very lonely.
Sometimes I just want some company and coming here means I get to say hi to people.
I want to say thank you to everyone in Auckland who gives to the Mission, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I’ve had Christmas lunch at the Mission many times. I just love it. I am quite a lonely person because I’m a sickness beneficiary and cannot work so I love to go to the Mission to chat to people. The Christmas Day meal is amazing. It makes me very happy to share Christmas with other people instead of being alone.”
FROM JOE
Smiles on Faces
“I tried my best to make ends meet, but on my own, I just couldn’t give [my kids] the Christmas that I wanted to provide.”
“It wasn’t easy to ask for help, because I’ve always had a strong sense of independence. But the support we received from the Mission was just phenomenal! My children loved the presents they got.”
“The food was amazing – there were cakes, pavlova and heaps of tinned foods. We all enjoyed the food. It really brightened our spirits.”
“It was massive to have all my kids together on Christmas Day. I took a lot of photos that day. Those are good memories. The best bit was seeing the smiles on my children’s faces.”
FROM SCARLETT
Be thankful we have each other
“For me, it’s a time of year when you can forget everything else going on in the world and be thankful that you’ve got each other. It’s a real feel-good time. When things started going bad, I felt guilty that I couldn’t get my kids what they deserve.”
“Being able to receive help from the Mission was huge for me. The team went all out – gifting presents for all the kids. To see their joy and excitement made everything better.”
Do you or your whānau need help this Christmas?
If you need food support please visit our main website to find out what's available.
