Stress-free fun and shopping at Whanganui's Koha Shed

Isley Uramo shows his skills with a pogo stick at the Koha Shed Christmas Fair. Photo/Bevan Conley

There were gifts for all at the Koha Shed Christmas Fair where you did not need wads of cash to do your Christmas shopping.

Once children had enjoyed a ride on the Barrel Wagon, a bounce on the castle, Christmas gifts, a sausage and a drink they could do some shopping.

The pop-up kids' shop was offering free gifts for all the family that children could choose and good elf and Koha Shed volunteer Justin Poi was providing a wrapping service.

"The children can choose gifts for their whanau or friends from all the donated gifts in the shop," said Mr Poi.

"It helps them to learn about the gratification that comes from giving and they don't have to stress about having money to buy them."

Felix Aramakutu 7, had chosen gifts for his mother and grandmother.

There was Family fun and gifts galore at the Koha Shed Christmas fair. Photo by Bevan Conley.

"I have got something for my mum and something for nanny and I will get something for my sister too," he said.

Once the children had chosen for their loved ones, they got to choose things they wanted for themselves.

Cousins Minnesota Maika and Callum Waters (both 10) found themselves a couple a cool shirts on the clothing rack.

"We already found stuff for our families," said Minnesota.

Koha Shed manager Sherryn Sunnex said the fair was all about families enjoying the season.

"Rather than Christmas being a time of fun and joy, for many it is stress and panic time."

She asked for community support to help families have a fun day without financial stress.

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