Children help out Hospice
In a break from tradition, children gave gifts of food, while Santa Claus looked on at an event at Springbank School.
Instead of receiving gifts from the man in the red suit, the children donated to their chosen charity for the year - Hospice MidNorthland.
Hospice Mid-Northland General Manager Belinda Watkins was visibly moved during the event.
The food items will be collated and delivered by nurses to the 65 families supported by the organisation in the region. Alongside the food hampers are handwritten cards for each family.
‘‘There are lots of challenges around Christmas and it will really brighten their Christmas.
‘‘It’s a really practical way of supporting the families.’’
She says the organisation is extremely grateful for being chosen as Springbank School’s charity of choice.
Year seven student Lana Pistorius says she felt really good to help.
‘‘It’s not all about you, it’s about giving and feeling good for giving people
Student Jimin Kim: ‘‘I think it’s a great idea, sharing stuff and helping others.’’
Hospice Mid-Northland supports people and their families in palliative care from Towai in the south to Taupo Bay in the north and South Hokianga.
See more photos on page 13.