Community throws support behind Christmas Parcel initiative
Christmas is set to shine a little bit brighter for hundreds of Southlanders this year thanks to the growing community support of City Impact Church Invercargill’s (CICI) Christmas Parcel initiative.
Each year the church worked with local kindergartens, schools, and social services and support agencies which would refer children, young people or adults in need, ensuring parcels went to those who might otherwise miss out at Christmas.
Church members could choose to fill a parcel which was labelled with the age and gender of the recipient so they could fill it with a selection of thoughtful and tailored gifts.
The initiative continued to grow in recent years, and last year a total of 260 boxes were donated to Southlanders. In recent years it attracted the attention of local businesses and individuals who reached out, seeking to fill parcels too.
Due to the growing community support, CICI chose to increase the number of parcels it will provide this year from 260 to 500, which would go to recipients from 11 local schools and organisations.
City Impact Church Pastor Roberta Watson said the growing community support had been encouraging as it enabled them to greatly extend the reach of the initiative.
“For many, Christmas time can be a time of extra stress and hardship for people less well off.
“The feedback from recipients tells us how much these parcels are appreciated. We are truly grateful to each individual and business who has chosen to partner with us as we bless our community,” she said.
New River Primary School was a recipient and Principal Nikki De Ruyter appreciated the many years of support for its students at Christmas time.
“The kindness shown and the time involved in putting all the gift bags together for the children is astounding and greatly appreciated.
The New River community is immensely grateful for the kindness and generosity shown,” she said.
If people want to find out more or would like to be involved, email [email protected].