Opinion: Giving to others at Christmastime

Tauranga woman Angela Redwood, who helped make Christmas brighter for children without homes at the Santa Carrus picnic yesterday. Photo/George Novak

It's 13 days until Christmas and the season is in full swing.

The stories of generosity are abundant at this time of year as those with extra to give - and those who don't but give anyway - dig deep to help others less fortunate.

One example of this is the story in our paper today of Tauranga woman Angela Redwood, who helped make Christmas brighter for children without homes at the Santa Carrus picnic yesterday.

Redwood individually packed and sorted children's backpacks filled with pyjamas, toiletries, a journal, home-baked cookies, a teddy bear, a lunch box and a drink bottle.

"I grew up in a bit of a dysfunctional family myself ... I kind of empathise with some of the things some of these families are dealing with," Redwood said.

Redwood is too sick to work but, despite this, she spent the last three months building up about 150 backpacks with her mother.

Their generous gesture will bring happiness to many children and families, and I'm sure it will also gladden their spirits.

Today reporter Scott Yeoman will be travelling all around the city in a Bayhopper bus with The Hits Bay of Plenty host Will Johnston to collect food for the Tauranga Community Foodbank.

Yeoman will be reporting back to the newsroom throughout the day with more stories of generosity and Christmas giving, and will also be posting updates on our Facebook page. Johnston will be updating The Hits listeners live throughout the day.

The response to the Fill the Bus event has been outstanding. Yeoman, Johnston and foodbank volunteers will be visiting at least 40 businesses and community groups who have signed up to donate food.

What a huge gesture this is from so many people!

I am proud to be part of such a caring community.