William’s Christmas wish for those in need
A Temuka 9-year-old’s wish to give to those in need this Christmas is behind a community pay it forward initiative in the town.
William Gamblin said he decided a couple of months ago he didn’t want any Christmas presents this year, preferring to give to those less fortunate than him.
‘‘I thought I had a little bit too much.
‘‘I thought about other people and decided I’d like to help them out.’'
With the help of his mother, Elyse, the youngster has set up The Temuka Giving Tree - a project where people can nominate residents they would like to give a gift to. The nominators will have a gift or food item picked up and, with the help of volunteers, the items will be delivered to the nomi- nated people throughout Temuka on December 23.
The community project has already received donations for 25 families in Temuka, his mum revealed..
‘‘William said a couple of months ago he didn’t want any Christmas presents this year,’’ she said.
‘‘We thought the novelty may wear off and when it didn’t we looked at different ideas of what to do.’’
The family looked into several charitable options but decided they wanted to do something in their home town.
‘‘We decided it would be good to get people to nominate people they wanted to give to and then get them to donate gifts, get together just before Christmas and package everything together and then deliver it all.’’
His school, Temuka St Joseph’s, would also host a mufti day on Friday for the cause.
Some residents had also donated food items which would be packaged into food hampers.
For others wishing to donate, there is a collection box at the Temuka District Library or information on The Temuka Giving Tree Facebook page. Temuka Primary School will hold a collection at the school’s prizegiving on Thursday evening.