Taking the charity approach this Christmas – Diana Clement

There are many ways people can help those in need this Christmas. Photo / 123rf

Modern-day Christmas isn’t just about consumer spending, or church. Give the charities that do good in our world some thought this festive season. There is plenty that both individuals and families can do to help those in need.

Buy cards and presents that support charities. Oxfam’s Unwrapped campaign has been around for well over a decade and allows people to buy a gift that supports its work, with a card given to the recipient. Many other charities sell Christmas-themed goods, from which the profits help their work. KidsCan, for example, sells Christmas crackers packed with the obligatory cheesy jokes, but cool prizes as well. The crackers can be ordered online or from a range of retailers including Harvey Norman, Woolworths, Smith+Caughey’s and Toyworld. The Hospice has Christmas trees up at all Farmers stores around the country and encourages customers to write a card to remember loved ones and make a small donation.

Consider those charities whose work intensifies at this time of year. Some charities need extra help at Christmas. Women’s Refuge encourages New Zealanders to donate Safe Nights at safenight.nz for women and children needing support over the holidays, which is the charity’s busiest time. Foodbanks get hit hard at Christmas, with some families unable to put food on the table, when others are overindulging. Consider dropping treats as well as basics in supermarket receptacles.

Shelter an animal. Christmas is a really bad time of year for pets. There is a spike in the need for foster carers over the summer festive months as many families take a break at this time. Some potential volunteers are put off because they work full time. But the SPCA can find an animal that suits each situation. To find out more, visit SPCA.nz, click on “how you can help” and choose “volunteer & foster”.

Help a family. Organisations such as The Salvation Army offer a holistic approach at Christmas. Captain Andrew Wilson of the Salvation Army in Queenstown said Kiwis can help by providing presents and gifts that are delivered to families in need. But help at Christmas is usually the start of an ongoing engagement with people in need who get a wraparound service until they’re back on their feet.

Look out for older neighbours. While people think about underprivileged children at Christmas, older people are often invisible in our society. Age Concern Napier has a campaign called “Look Out For Your Neighbours”, which encourages community connection and awareness of older people in your street who may be alone over the Christmas period. Morag Hill, manager at Age Concern Napier, said people can start with a friendly wave and greeting, which may lead to a conversation. Older neighbours may need a little extra shopping or appreciate some baking dropped off or sharing of other Christmas cheer. “Exchange telephone numbers and let them know you are there if they require any assistance,” said Hill.

Buy from or give to op shops. Many charities such as the Hospice, Red Cross, SPCA, and Salvation Army run op shops as a way to raise funds. They are often inundated with stock in December, so get there and buy some gifts. It’s a great way to support charities financially, while also finding great gifts. Donating good saleable items, not your old trash, to op shops is another way to support them. Most, however, would prefer you hold on to your donations until they’re back in full swing in the New Year.

Volunteer. Charities depend on volunteers. They need help all year round, but there are seasonal opportunities as well – such as the City Mission’s Christmas dinner, although those roles are usually full by now. Some organisations such as the YMCA need help over summer for school holiday programmes. If you’re looking for one-off or short-term volunteering then check out websites such as Seekvolunteer.co.nz Volunteeringauckland.org.nz, HelpTank.nz and Communitycomms.org.nz for ideas.

Finally, spare a thought for those charities that aren’t top of mind at Christmas or don’t have seasonal campaigns. Plunket needs your help for the newborns and babies it supports year-round. Riding for the Disabled and its horses and volunteers take Christmas off their demanding jobs, yet the charity still needs donations, as do many others. Google the words Christmas appeal NZ to find many other good causes.