City Mission asks Greater Wellington: whose star will you be this Christmas?

Last Christmas the Wellington City Mission was encouraged to see thousands of people across Greater Wellington come together to be stars to families and individuals in need. Because of this generous support, they were able to feed around 3,000 people through their Christmas food parcels and provide kids with over 9,300 gifts to enjoy on Christmas Day! Not only that, they were also able to support 31 other local agencies with food and goods, making a real difference right across the Wellington region.

Now it’s time to do it again! This Christmas they are once again asking Wellingtonians to “be someone’s star” by getting involved in their Christmas Star Appeal! The appeal officially launches on Monday 30 October and there are many ways that businesses, families and individuals can get involved.

Leading the charge this year is The Mission’s brand new Christmas Star mascot, Starry! Starry represents everyone across Greater Wellington who are stars to people in need. He’ll be making appearances around the region throughout November and December – you might find him down at the Walk of Fame, collecting on Street Day, or selling raffle tickets at the Star Car. He’s cheerful and friendly, so if you see him make sure you say hi – or even ask for a photo!

The Mission is excited to have their iconic Christmas Walk of Fame happening for the third year – and this year it will be bigger and better than ever! Businesses, individuals, families and groups can get their name or logo on a Hollywood Walk of Fame-style star which will be displayed on Wellington’s waterfront from 1 – 26 December. Each star represents families being supported this Christmas and beyond. Stars range in price, starting at $100 for an Individual/Group Star – the perfect star to purchase for your family, friends or colleagues!

Another exciting activity is the Star Car Christmas Raffle! It’s The Mission’s second year hosting this raffle and there are over $25,000 worth of prizes up for grabs – including a 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage! Raffle tickets are $5 each or $20 for a book of five, and they can be purchased from the Star Car when it parks up in malls and supermarkets during November and December. You can also order tickets to sell in your workplace, sports club, or group – visit ChristmasStar.co.nz/raffle to place an order.

On Friday 1 December The Mission’s annual Street Day is also taking place, coinciding with the launch of the Walk of Fame. Keep an eye out for their collectors around Greater Wellington for an opportunity to donate! Donations to the appeal are also accepted online at any time via ChristmasStar.co.nz, and look out for their special donation envelope in The Dominion Post on Thursday 9 November.

Finally the iconic ‘Pack the Bus’ will be happening in partnership with The Breeze Wellington, this year celebrating its 25th Anniversary! The bus will be travelling around schools and supermarkets from 20 November – 1 December, collecting food and gifts and spreading Christmas joy.

The Mission is looking forward to having people involved in all these activities. The generous donations received throughout the appeal will make a life-changing difference right across the region. More than just meeting people’s physical needs, being a star is about bringing hope, joy, courage and confidence to those who are struggling. By showing them someone cares, you make a difference that lasts long after the Christmas decorations have come down.

So whose star will you be? For more information about the Christmas Star Appeal visit ChristmasStar.co.nz.

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