Changing lives for Christmas
Salvation Army's Bridget Nolan, Kmart Blenheim staff Tina, Krystal, Maggie, Nicola and Eufrasia, and Salvation Army’s Rae Evans with the Salvation Army Band to open Operation Gifts for Kids 2025. Photo: William Woodworth.
Efforts to ensure Marlborough’s less fortunate families receive Christmas cheer through Operation Gifts for Kids over December 10-12 are ramping up both in-store and on the road.
Salvation Army Marlborough’s Rae Evans and Bridget Nolan say the New Zealand and Australia-wide connection with Kmart, alongside locally-sourced support from the Roadhouse Breakfast Christmas collection from Riverlands Roadhouse to Pelorus Tavern on Sunday 7 December, will help make the holiday season easier for many.
“We hold mana in gift giving when things are so hard out there, as it’s restorative for the dignity of children because at that age Christmas is very much about the gifts, but also for the families who can use money saved on presents in much more pressing areas of their life”, says Rae.
“The relationships we have with Kmart and the Riverlands Roadhouse can bring huge change and spark lifelong passions for a child.”
A focus for the collections this year is painting sets, sports equipment, or some things that can help create long term passions for children.
Boxes will be at Kmart Blenheim, as well as drop sites for Operation Gifts for Kids at the Salvation Army’s Community Ministry and Family Store, and at Riverlands Roadhouse Christmas collection on Sunday, 7 December.