November 28 2023
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Sharing community spirit this Christmas u by Andy Bryenton
A meeting of like-minded people from various civic organisations has hit upon a plan to host a free community Christmas meal in Dargaville.
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Representatives from the Lions Club, the Justices of the Peace Association, Te Korowai o Ihu Karaiti Haahi (church), Man Up and Legacy, and the Kaipara Lifestyler met with Kaipara mayor Craig Jepson last Thursday to formulate a plan. They will then seek input from as many other community groups, churches, marae, sporting clubs, charities and businesses as possible. “I am passionate about it because there are many broken and lost families doing it hard. There is not enough love in the world. The government, the world and everything is changing, but love remains the same,” said Te Korowai o Ihu Karaiti pastor Petrina Sullivan. “We are doing it to reach out to the lost and lonely and those who need support during the festive season. This Christmas meal is the fifth time we have done one in Dargaville. It is the first time it has been a combined community event and being held at the Nazarene Church.” The plan is to host a free-of-charge Christmas day buffet for anyone who, due to their circumstances, may not otherwise be able to enjoy a big holiday feast with all the trimmings. It could cater to those in economic distress due to the cost of living crisis, those with relatives far away from home or senior people who might not ordinarily prepare a large festive roast just for themselves. “It’s not about me or any of our organisations, as much as it is about doing something for the community. There is real hardship out there,” said Mr Jepson. “Loneliness and isolation are also
p The first meeting of a group seeking to host a free community Christmas feast in Dargaville; those present are confident that many more big-hearted locals will pitch in
big factors facing society, and this gives us as a community a big day to connect with our neighbours.” He says he is happy to come to Dargaville on Christmas day to serve his fellow citizens, and others at this initial meeting pledged to do the same. The plan is to host an all-inclusive Christmas lunch on December 25, with the Nazarene Church Hall in Dargaville as a venue. To make it happen, and to feed the hundreds of guests that the working group plans to accommodate, an outreach is being made to businesses and other community-spirited groups to donate resources, skills or food. Other groups will be gratefully welcomed if they would like to help coordinate the Kaipara Community Christmas, attend future meetings and help grow the event. Others may wish to donate things needed to make the day a success. These include foodstuffs, barbecues, serving
equipment, tablecloths and trestle tables, chairs, soft drinks and sweets. Festive decorations, entertainment for children and families attending, and even new, wrapped toys or books for youngsters who may otherwise not receive a Christmas present were also discussed. Right now, the event is in its planning stages, with only weeks to go. It will take a community effort to make this happen, say those who planted the seed of this idea. All were confident that Dargaville and Kaipara had the heart to make it happen. If you can offer support for this free community event, please email kaiparachristmas@gmail.com and get involved. Equally, if you or your family would like to attend, and share in the community gathering to make your Christmas brighter, please RSVP so the organisers can ensure that everyone is catered to. ¢
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