What started out as a small project to help some kids at Christmas has grown into wide-reaching community response to a social issue.
For the past seven years, Senior Constable Rebecca French has been arranging Christmas presents for children in need.
It started with ‘giving trees’ at MOTUS physio clinics, pictured right. Clients donated goodies for victims of family harm and Rebecca arranged for Police staff to take them when they were called to jobs involving tamariki at Christmas time.
Then five years ago, Rebecca was called to a job at a school when no-one came to collect a child.
“The penny dropped, and I realised there are so many kids in need that we don’t know about - we only attend a portion of what’s happening in the community."
Rebecca spoke with the principal and offered some gifts to students in need.
“The principal told me that these kids don’t need toys,” Rebecca says, “they need basics – toiletries and other essential items. Some of the kids don’t even have shoes.
“I thought we’d start with eight boys and eight girls, providing school bags and other necessities, but the school came back with 43 kids needing help. I was blown away.”
The following year, Rebecca reached out to dental clinics, foodbanks, local groups and fellow colleagues to help fund the presents.
“Lots of people chipped in and I realised there are many people who would like to give at Christmas but are unsure who to give to.”
In addition, this year two local Rotary clubs came on board with funding.
Each child was given a wrapped present containing a beach towel, drink bottle and toiletries, including toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, face cloth and deodorant, as well as an age-appropriate toy.
Rebecca estimates they were able to reach over 650 kids, with the gifts mostly distributed through schools.
The presents kept piling up!
One school passed on this feedback: “I wish you could have seen the smiles on the faces of the parents (who collected them secretly) and some of the older children who picked it up themselves.
"We made sure to draw the names of people who would benefit from the gifts at this time of year and some children who needed a boost. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Rebecca and her team of volunteers and generous sponsors are just thrilled to be doing something to help.
“I’m really lucky to have a close group of like-minded friends and colleagues who know the difference the gifts will make for these kids,” says Rebecca.