Our purpose is to make life easier for families during what can be a challenging time.
We connect with primary schools in the greater Wellington region in the lead up to Christmas. We talk to school principals and provide the opportunity for families in need to receive a large hamper of nourishing food.
How did we start?
We started out as “The Hutt Hamper Elves” in 2014, as both Claire and Gabe could see how much pressure Christmas time can put on a family when they are trying to make ends meet.
The concept started after a discussion with a school principal and has grown from providing 21 hampers in our first year, through to helping over 1,400 Wellington families in 2022.
What do we do?
Our goal is to make life easier and bring some sparkle for families during what can be a challenging time. We work hand in hand with local schools by delivering food hampers for them to pass on to school families they identify as most in need.
By providing food hampers we aim to remove some of the pressure associated with the Christmas season, and perhaps help families have a treat on Christmas day, free up some funds for urgent bills or perhaps to provide gifts for the family when they may usually go without.
This year were asked to provide a huge target – the need is only growing greater each year:
At $150 per hamper this is no small undertaking!
We work hand-in-hand with schools, delivering hampers for them to pass on to families in their school community who could use some sparkle at what can be a tough time.
Thanks to the generous support of individuals and local businesses, we’ve been able to provide over 6,000 tubs and boxes of food to over 3,000 families. We know the hampers make a real difference.
Nourish@Christmas connects with Primary schools across the greater Wellington region up to Paraparaumu to offer hampers for families who could use some sparkle at Christmas.
We ask for cash donations, rather than donations of food, so we can get the advantage of bulk purchasing power – getting the most we can for families out of your hard-earned money.
“We have been struggling on one income and thought that we would need to go to the Foodbank for support. Then these wonderful hampers were given to us- you don’t know how much this means to us and our kids as it is just in time for Christmas.”
“Now I have finished having a cry, I want to thank the Hutt Elves for the wonderful hampers. I feel lighter and happier, my children will be very, very happy. Thank you.”
“I was wondering how on earth we would shop for food for Christmas on a very small budget. I can now breathe easy with these hampers- I tell you they have arrived at the best time. Thank you so much.”
“These are people who can’t afford to live day to day let alone have a Christmas. Your hampers have been very practical – things people can really use. It’s difficult for you as you don’t see the gratitude on these people’s faces, but know that your hard work and thoughtfulness has been well worthwhile.”
“[One parent who lives in a garage] said that the delivery of the hampers was more than just the groceries within, it felt as if someone was cutting him a break, even if a small one, at least someone was helping in some way. I was humbled hearing his story and the power that your generosity and the simple act of giving can have.“
“I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to you and your team for the hampers our families received. There were massive smiles all round – if we could have captured them all for you, you’d be stoked! You have totally made their Christmas. Our jobs are very challenging, but it’s at this time of the year when the community rally together to make life a little easier for others that it’s heart warming and helps us to remember we’re not doing this alone – He waka eke noa – we’re all in this Waka together.”
“Some loved the baskets the food came in and have commented the food was great – one commented on the nectarines that were a treat for her children as she would never be able to afford them. Another commented it was great to be able to put away food for Christmas Day and another commented “wow” and could not believe how much they received. Three reported their children were so excited when they saw the hampers.”
“The hamper came at the right time. We had a 4-week-old baby, and my husband was on ACC, so there was limited income into our household. I felt very blessed to have received a hamper, my other three children were over the moon. Thank you, the hamper helped us to get through the rush and during Christmas. We are very lucky that there are good people out there, who provide for us when we are struggling.”
“One of our families are living in someone’s garage so when the hamper was delivered…this single mum of 4 broke down in tears when she saw the hamper she hadn’t eaten for 2 days so she was overwhelmed that people would do such a kind thing.”
“The hamper came at the right time. We had a 4-week-old baby, and my husband was on ACC, so there was limited income into our household. I felt very blessed to have received a hamper, my other three children were over the moon. Thank you, the hamper, helped us to get through the rush and during Christmas. We are very lucky that there are good people out there, who provide for us when we are struggling.”
How can you help?
Donate.
We ask for cash donations so we can get the advantage of bulk purchasing power – getting the most we can for families out of your hard-earned money. We’re a registered charity so you’re able to claim a tax rebate on any donation.
You can donate at www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/nourishatchristmas
If you’re a business, we’ll recognise your support on our facebook page.
Raise awareness.
We know not everyone has time or funds to spare, and raising awareness is also a huge help. Please like our facebook page, and help us spread the word to individuals and businesses about what we are doing.
https://www.facebook.com/NourishatChristmas