by Kate Murray, General Manager
Help Make Christmas Magical
The Best of Our Community
One of the things I love most about living in the Upper Clutha is the way people look out for one another.
Time and again, I've seen our community come together to support neighbours, friends, workmates and families through life's ups and downs. It's one of the things that makes this such a special place to call home.
As the school year draws to a close and summer begins to arrive, many of us are looking forward to everything that makes Christmas in the Upper Clutha special. Family gatherings, time at the lake, catching up with friends, and a well-earned break after a busy year.
When One Unexpected Expense Changes Everything
But for some local households, Christmas can also bring extra pressure.
At Community Link, we've seen Foodbank requests increase by 16% between July and September compared with the same period last year. What began as a pop-up Foodbank service in Hāwea has also become a permanent fixture, reflecting the growing need for support across our community.
Many of the people seeking support aren't facing a crisis. They're navigating rising living costs and stretched household budgets. Often, it's an unexpected expense, such as a medical bill, a car repair, or another unforeseen cost, that tips things from manageable to difficult.
Last Christmas, Community Link supported 94 local families with Christmas hampers and delivered gift bags to 80 local seniors. This year, we expect demand to continue growing.
A Reminder That Life Can Change Quickly
One local parent shared this with us following last year's appeal:
"I have supported my children on my own for seven years, but after being made redundant following the sale of the business I worked for, I suddenly found myself facing Christmas and the summer holidays with no job. Reluctantly, I turned to the Foodbank for help. Thanks to the support I received, what could have been a miserable and stressful holiday period became a time of gratitude, simple joys, and happy memories with my children. We were able to enjoy a Christmas feast we never expected and a truly special day together."
Stories like this remind us that life can change quickly for any of us.
That's why we've launched our Help Make Christmas Magical campaign.
Every food donation to the Foodbank and every financial contribution helps support local families through Christmas while strengthening our ability to continue providing practical support into the New Year.
Most importantly, it's a reflection of what community is all about. People coming together to support one another and ensuring everyone feels part of a community that cares.
How You Can Help
If you'd like to help, you can donate food, contribute financially, purchase a raffle ticket, or view our Foodbank Wish List at communitylink.nz/support-us.
If you're doing your weekly shop, one of the simplest ways to help is by adding an extra item or two to your trolley. Our Christmas Foodbank Wish List includes everyday essentials such as long-life milk, breakfast spreads, canned fruit and vegetables, pasta sauce, rice, tea and coffee. These are the items our Foodbank needs most and helps ensure support is available throughout Christmas and into the New Year.
Together, we can help every family celebrate a magical Christmas this year.