Kiwi kindness comes to the fore at Christmas
Christmas doesn’t have to be a lonely time for those unable to spend it with friends and family. That is because this year New Zealanders are once again banding together to support those in our communities who might find themselves on their own.
For example, nationwide initiatives such as Sharing Love is sending Christmas cards and messages to ‘‘lonely’’ rest-home residents during Christmas who might not have visitors, and a tavern owner in Upper Hutt is preparing to host a Christmas dinner for 200 guests who lack any other invitation.
Psychologist Karen Nimmo said this time of year can especially be lonely with everyone busy and businesses closed for the day.
Issues such as depression, domestic violence and relationship problems could all be exacerbated, she said.
‘‘Christmas can just bring up difficulties that are already there. The most important thing when people face a tough day, of any kind, is to make a plan.’’
‘‘If they’re without family, isolated, or are on their own, they need to put some little treats in.’’
Solo Christmas ideas didn’t have to be expensive, she said.
She suggested mapping out a walk in a local park or reserve, or volunteering at a Christmas charity event.
Anyone who sees others
It doesn’t matter if you walk or bike or you’re in a Rolls Royce. It’s all about being with people. Quinn’s Post tavern owner Murray McMahon
struggling, or alone on Christmas Day, could simply pass on a kind word, or make a small gift or donation, if a donation was appropriate, Nimmo said.
‘‘Around Christmas time, it’s important to just try and be a good person.’’
Everyone could play their part, she said.
‘‘We can always check ourselves and make sure we’re not caught up with ourselves, and reflect on what others could be up to.’’
Statistically, New Zealand was already doing very well at giving to others.
A 2016 report showed that individual Kiwis’ donations to charity account for 0.79 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product, making this the secondmost charitable country in the world behind the United States.
Rimutaka Lions member Gay Geursen was busy planning their Room at the Inn and Christmas lunch, which would cater for about 200 people who might otherwise have nothing.
But companionship was the real reason people attended, not the free food.
Geursen said guests didn’t need to be facing financial hardship.
In fact, many volunteers seemed to want to attend to join in, but didn’t want to appear needy, she said.
Lonely people were afraid to ask for help and accept a free event, as they might be financially sound.
Quinn’s Post tavern owner Murray McMahon said too many people were lonely on Christmas Day.
‘‘It doesn’t matter if you walk or bike or you’re in a Rolls-Royce. It’s all about being with people.’’
The occasion would get the same amount of work as a normal restaurant meal, he said.