Imagine this: on Christmas Day, a staggering 600 individuals, many of whom are battling financial hardships, gather for a festive meal in the heart of Auckland. Tara Moala, the 43-year-old general manager of food security at the Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai, is gearing up for this remarkable event, which promises to bring joy and nourishment to those who need it most.
As Kiwi families face tough circumstances this holiday season, you can catch their story on TVNZ+. Meanwhile, the City Mission is actively preparing by assembling food parcels for families who require assistance. A recent visit to the Wesley Community Centre showcased the heartwarming scene where families picked up delicious food and selected gifts for their children in anticipation of the celebrations.
Tara shares, "On Christmas Day, we’re anticipating around 600 attendees at Haeata, our inner-city venue, where we’ll be serving delightful meals from early morning until late in the day." Over the span of four days, the mission expects more than 500 families to visit, receiving essential pantry items like vegetables, including potatoes, onions, carrots, and cabbages. They also get fresh fruits such as strawberries, pineapples, and apples, with bananas available whenever possible.
A key component of their support is bread; each family receives four loaves, allowing them to store some for later use. In addition, they distribute a remarkable 30,000 gifts aimed at ensuring every child has something special to unwrap on Christmas Day. Tara emphasizes that these presents come entirely from donations, as their funding is primarily allocated to food provisions.
This year’s budget is set at $200,000, but it's supplemented through fundraising efforts and generous contributions from the Auckland community. Numerous organizations and businesses provide vital support, especially food companies that donate supplies. To sustain this initiative, they need to raise $138 for each food parcel.
Haeata, the community dining room, serves as a beacon of hope, staffed by talented chefs who create wonderful meals from available ingredients. The cost of providing meals is approximately $64 for a table serving four plates. The City Mission receives numerous canned goods, an invaluable resource for stocking their pantries. Items like baked beans, often donated in great quantities, significantly contribute to their daily breakfast offerings throughout the year.
Despite the ongoing efforts, the demand remains high. The financial strain on families has not diminished, as rising costs for rent, utilities, and other essentials weigh heavily on them. By the time they reach the City Mission, many are already feeling the effects of financial exhaustion, making it all the more important to offer them a moment of joy and respite.
Tara expresses her gratitude, stating, "I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributes through donations or provides substantial food supplies and gifts. Their commitment is crucial to our mission, and we truly couldn’t make this happen without their incredible support."
If you're interested in engaging with our Receipt Reveal series, feel free to reach out via email at receiptreveal@tvnz.co.nz. Please include your phone number and your location in New Zealand.
