Let's lift each other up this Christmas

With many families doing it tough as the cost of living continues to bite, Family Works Southland is about to kick off its annual gift appeal to give families in need a lift this Christmas.

“For many of us Christmas is a time of joy, spending quality time with family, but for others it can be a time of stress and added financial hardship,” Family Works managers Irene Te Koeti and Kris Wallis said.

“However, the Southland community is a generous one, and by working together we can help ease some of that stress, bring smiles to faces, and help to ensure these families have a wonderful Christmas.”

The donated gifts are given to the children of families Family Works supports across all its programmes who may otherwise miss out on receiving presents at Christmas time.

Between Monday, November 10 and Friday, December 5, people can drop off new, unwrapped gifts for children and teens 0-16 years under the Christmas tree at Family Works reception,183 Spey Street, Invercargill.

Last year, the team had been overwhelmed by the generosity of the community, with hundreds of gifts donated for children and teens in need.

“We appreciate the community getting behind this appeal every year.  We couldn’t do the work we do without that support.”