Christmas hampers bring hope to 130 families

It's been a rough year for the Low family, so receiving a Christmas hamper from the Salvation Army has proved a "godsend".

The family of seven was one of 130 Rotorua families to be given a helping hand with a hamper this Christmas.

Every year the Sallies make hampers full of food, gifts and necessities for families and individuals who need them.

The Rotorua Daily Post went to the church on Old Taupo Rd yesterday and caught up with the Lows.

Ben and Cheree Low and their five children, Shaydy, 13, Tyler, 12, Jazmyn, 9, Manaia, 3 and Neo, 1, never thought they would be in a situation where they couldn't afford Christmas, Mr Low said.

But just over a year ago Mr Low suffered a serious back injury while working as an engineer. He is now on a waiting list for surgery and cannot work.

On top of that Mrs Low has carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow in both of her hands and arms.

"We were sent a letter from the Sallies in the mail saying they would be giving us a hamper and it was a godsend.

"I was working as an engineer at one of the local outlets with active equipment and I came off a haul and smashed my back, they've done MRIs and found a cyst growing and that's just made it bloody sore and the medication I'm on doesn't let me sleep and it's a bit hard as we have two autistic boys, so having something like this is such a blessing," Mr Low said.

Tears flowed as Mr Low spoke about how hard the year had been.

CHRISTMAS: The Low family are grateful for their Christmas hamper from the Salvation Army. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

"Things were good before the injury, but because it's not classed as urgent I have to wait and I can't work to provide for my family.

"This [the hamper] just makes it heaps easier, we are so grateful," he said.

Mrs Low said they had been to the Salvation Army for help a few times this year, but only when desperate.

"With both us not being able to work it's just really hard with all the children.

"We've found it really hard this year for Christmas, but we have got there and just having this is such a beautiful gift," she said.

Rotorua Salvation Army corps officer Kylie Overbye said while the Salvation Army was helping people in need throughout the year, this week it had especially focused on the hampers.

"As people came in the doors today to receive their Christmas hampers, it was really special to share that moment of with them. All were overjoyed with their hampers, and there were some who were evidently touched by their gift as we saw their concerns melt away, knowing that Christmas was going to be possible for them this year," she said.

Rotorua Salvation Army corps officer Ralph Overbye said giving produced a feel-good warmth that simply couldn't be got any other way.

"To see the smiles on the faces of the families, especially the kids as we give them their hampers, has been wonderful for us. Knowing that these parents and caregivers will now be able to provide food and gifts for a nice Christmas creates a warm feeling in our hearts. We would like to think that as we have given out these hampers, that we have been able to give some hope to life this Christmas," he said.

Today is the last day of the Rotorua Daily Post Salvation Army Foodbank Christmas Appeal, if you have a last-minute donation make sure you get it in today.

Make your donations of non-perishable food at the Rotorua Daily Post office: 1143 Hinemoa St or the Salvation Army's Community Ministries, 1188 Amohia St.

You can also donate money at BNZ: The Salvation Army Rotorua, Reference: Foodbank, Acc: 02-0416-0024233-00. If any organisations, schools or individuals are organising a fundraising event, please let us know by emailing news@dailypost.co.nz or contacting reporter Kyra Dawson on (07) 349 747.