Christmas Appeal: People keep on giving to appeal

Mary Hope, of Hastings, stopped by to deliver fluffy bears for the appeal. Photo / Paul Taylor

The generosity of people throughout the Hawke's Bay community covers all ages and we see that every year when the Christmas Cheer Appeal is staged.

The young, and of course the young at heart, step forward to do their bit for the Hawke's Bay Today-driven appeal and this year is again no exception.

Lindisfarne College is an annual supporter of the appeal.

Steered by chaplain Warren Fortune, the pupils, parents and staff spark into food-collecting action.

As it was last year and the years before that, a large trailer was needed to transport the items that were collected.

The hundreds of food items will help to fill the more than 400 parcels which will be prepared for the Hastings side of the appeal.

It was all about forging a strong Christmas spirit and support for the less fortunate in the community, Mr Fortune said, - and everyone was keen to do their bit.

As was 89-year-old Mary Hope, who called into the Hastings office of Hawke's Bay Today and dropped off several fluffy teddy bears for the appeal.

The gift pile continued to grow at the Napier office also, with one lady delivering some beautifully knitted cuddly toys, while another woman had also used her fine skills to create a remarkable crochet rug.

Others stopped by to drop off items they had bought while shopping in the city, and it is good to see talcs and deodorants appearing - perfect for the teenagers and young adults.

The vital cash fund has pushed past the $7000 mark with a $200 donation from Dougan Larkworthy Team Architects.

This year's appeal, which runs through until December 19, will make Christmas a more cheery time for about 3000 people across the Napier and Hastings communities.

Cash fund

Previously donated $6944

Dougan Larkworthy Team Architects $200

Total $7144

Drop-off points

Napier: Napier City Council Community Development; Mitre 10 Mega; Paper Plus, Taradale; Toyworld, Napier; Curves Napier, Greenmeadows; Alexander Construction, Ahuriri; Hawke's Bay Today on Tennyson St.

Hastings: Hastings, Havelock North and Flaxmere public libraries; Family Works in Heretaunga House; Hawke's Bay Today on Heretaunga St East.

Cash donations can be nominated for either the Napier or Hastings side of the appeal.