Appeal to help with gifts for City Mission | Auckland News | Local News in Auckland

Businesses are being asked to chip in and supply Christmas presents to needy Aucklanders.

Festive food treats, non-perishable food items, cash and presents for children and teenagers are all needed, and this year the focus is on donations for 10-to-16 year-olds who traditionally miss out on age-suitable presents in regular Christmas donation campaigns.

Presents are being collected - free -  by Urgent Couriers "angel drivers" and delivered to the Auckland City Mission for its Christmas appeal.

Steve Bonnici, Urgent Couriers director, said his company had decided to continue its support because  "no Auckland kids should be deprived of presents on Christmas morning".

He said over the past five years, Auckland businesses have come to the party and offered many presents. Drivers register as Santa's helpers and carry donation packs, including a donation box and box to carry the presents. The collection will run right up Christmas Eve.

The Auckland City Mission's appeal results in thousands of presents every year for children..

Auckland City Missioner Diane Robertson would love as many businesses as possible  to get behind the appeal to make it a huge success.

"Christmas is a time of giving and sharing, and our kids deserve all the festive happiness. We all have a responsibility toward supporting this campaign."

How businesses can donate
1.  Place the box for your donations in a prominent position at reception or a shared staff area.
2.  Let your employees know that you are getting a collections box together for the Auckland City Mission Christmas Appeal.
3.  Ask your team /employees to donate items such as:
- Festive food treats (chocolate, Christmas mince pies, bags of nuts)
- Presents for children aged 10-16 (unwrapped)
- Any other non-perishable food items (i.e. canned goods)
- Cash.

Then contact James Holt, fundraiser for the Auckland City Mission on 303 9265 or email James.H@aucklandcitymission.org.nz to arrange collection.