Help make Christmas happier for New Zealand kids

NEWS RELEASE

18 November 2009

Help make Christmas a happier occasion for New Zealand children

Christmas is set to become a much merrier occasion for many children this year thanks to a gift-giving collaboration between the Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch City Missions and online retailer, Fishpond.co.nz.

The Missions are working with Fishpond, which sells books, music, games and toys to encourage New Zealanders to donate from a Christmas list of most needed toys, which are available at www.fishpond.co.nz. Toys retail from $5.

Fishpond general manager, Ben Powles says, “We are hoping that the generosity of New Zealanders will help make these children’s wishes come true this Christmas.

“People often think about helping out a charity but don’t have the time over the hectic Christmas period to shop for, wrap and deliver a gift. This will allow them to help with the click of a button,” he says.

“And with the option of donating to Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch City Missions, people can help families in their own community.”

Fishpond will also donate five per cent of its toy sales from 16 November until Christmas to the City Mission.

Diane Robertson, Auckland City Missioner, is thrilled with the Fishpond initiative. “Over the Christmas period, staff and volunteers at the Auckland City Mission will collect and distribute 25,000 gifts,” she said. “We’re grateful for every donation received and extend our thanks to every donor for helping us to make Christmas happen for every Auckland child.”

Toys purchased for the City Missions will be stored and delivered by Fishpond just before Christmas.

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