Sarah Page is unashamedly one of those people who, come November 1, starts playing the Mariah Carey Merry Christmas album on repeat. Growing up, the season was always magical and it’s been her favorite time of the year ever since.
Now, as the founder of The Kindness Collective – a charity bridging the gap between those in need and practical support – she wants to bring those moments of joy she remembers to 3000 other less-privileged Kiwi kids.
“When you’re already struggling to put food on the table, then Christmas presents are most likely off the cards this year,” says the West Auckland mum-of-one.
“We’ve been providing families and organizations with food support since 2014, but the need for our organization’s services has certainly ramped up over multiple lockdowns, and it’s just getting tougher for families to make ends meet.”
So, for three weeks in December, Sarah is bringing to life a Christmas Joy Store, with toys and food treats for families in need. It will enable invited parents and caregivers to choose their own children’s gifts “with dignity” through a shop-like experience at no cost to them.
“Being in the position of having to receive a charity’s donation doesn’t always deliver a lot of mana for the recipient and can often feel a bit like a transaction,” she explains.
“It doesn’t give parents the feeling as they’ve provided for their kids. So the Christmas Joy Store means parents and caregivers are able to walk in, look at the shelves and go, ‘Oh, my child likes Lego, I’ll get this, or pick out their favorite chocolate to put in a stocking.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The perfect GETAWAY
From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes
Message in a BOTTLE
Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills
Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE
Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills