Ahh the festive season. Time for long hot summer days feasting on freshly glazed ham and signature Kiwi pavlova…

We know Christmas doesn’t mean the same thing for everyone, in fact, it’s an entirely different scenario for those in need and can bring extreme hardship and deprivation to families throughout the country. Which is why we encourage you, in any way possible, to find a way to give back over the holidays.

Whether this is something small like gifting an unwanted present to a local charity, or signing up for some volunteer work with friends, you’ll reap the rewards of the warm fuzzies you get when you bring cheer to those doing it tough this Christmas.

Here are a few ideas for smaller gifts if you’re time poor but still want to do your bit.

1. Christmas Box (christmasbox.co.nz) asks for $30 donations to assemble Christmas food boxes to help out those less fortunate. They’ll match this to $75, then their volunteers will box up the goods and organise dispatch to families in need to help brighten their day.
2. The Kmart wishing tree are celebrating 24 years in partnership with The Salvation Army this year. You can place a gift under a tree at your local Kmart, or donate to the cause online. You’ll receive a tag to place on your own tree as a reminder of the child who’s Christmas just got a whole lot better.
3. The City Mission is always in need of gifts and food this time of year - from as little as a singular can of baked beans that’ve been gathering dust in the cupboard, you can make a world of difference. Imagine if everyone donated just one item.

Or, if you’ve got time to spare - be it a few weeks off work or a university break - consider taking a look at our volunteer roles on offer to see if there’s something that might be a good fit for you.

We guarantee you’ll feel great and enjoy yourself along the way.

Thanks for all your help this year and we look forward to meeting some new helpers in 2018!

Merry Christmas and a happy new year from the team at Collaborate.