KEY POINTS:
Christmas is always a tight time of the year for Judy Johnston who is raising three grandchildren on her own. But, thanks to the generosity of a Herald reader who sponsored the family, the festive season has been one they will never forget.
A man and his wife
offered to help the West Auckland family after reading about Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust in the "Our Lost Children" series last month.
The couple gave Nana Judy, 6-year-old twins Brett and Bianca, and 10-year-old Bonnie $100 worth of petrol vouchers, $300 worth of Pak'n Save vouchers and $200 worth of Kmart vouchers.
Some vouchers have been used to buy the children new clothes and shoes, while others have been set aside for other expenses.
The couple also gave the family Christmas gifts, homemade cake and tarts which all made for a very special holiday in a home where funds are usually stretched to the limit.
"I was able to actually give the children a much better Christmas than I would have been able to. It was absolutely wonderful," said Nana Judy, who is full of praise for the generous couple. "I think that they are just absolutely brilliant, wonderful people."
The family - one of around 150 who attended the free Grandparents Raising Grandchildren picnic in Birkenhead yesterday - weren't the only ones to benefit from generous Herald readers.
National convener Diane Vivian said the trust had received $8500 in donations since featuring in the child abuse series. Three families have also been "adopted" by readers who are giving them $100 each month to help pay for bills and expenses.
More than 25 new members have also joined the trust which provides support, help and guidance to 4000 grandparents who are raising children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected by their parents.
"It's just absolutely amazing and it's good to know that even in tough times people are prepared to go that extra distance and help people less fortunate than themselves."
Ms Vivian said the trust's board was considering buying Warehouse Stationery vouchers with the $8500 which grandparents could put towards the costs of school stationery - an expense many struggle to afford.
To learn more about the trust or to make a donation visit: www.raisinggrandchildren.org.nz
