Invercargill Central Joins Family Works To Brighten Christmas For Southland Kids

This Christmas, Invercargill Central is partnering with Family Works to ensure children in need in Southland have presents to open. Irene Te Koeti and Kris Wallis from Family Works highlight the financial stress many families face during Christmas, and this initiative aims to alleviate some of that pressure while bringing joy to the children.

For over a decade, families involved in the Family Start Programme received gifts from the H&J Smith Secret Santa Tree. However, with H&J Smith’s closure, Invercargill Central has stepped in to fill the gap. Irene expressed gratitude towards Invercargill Central for continuing the tradition, ensuring families have a joyful Christmas.

Kelvin Mooney, the manager of Invercargill Central, is excited to offer customers a chance to spread happiness to these families. An 18-foot Christmas tree has been set up in the shopping center, where shoppers can leave new, unwrapped gifts for children aged from birth to 16 until Christmas Eve.

The Family Start Programme, a free, home-based initiative by Family Works, supports parents of children up to five years old facing various challenges like housing, health issues, or lack of support. This programme, which operates in Invercargill, Te Anau, Manapouri, Gore, and Mataura, will be the primary beneficiary of this Christmas gift drive.