The glamour surrounding Christmas often sees us entirely swept up in hedonistic pursuits. As the season starts to turn into one long, languid lunch, the only respite from sumptuous meals and materialistic possessions is in the knocking back of a flute of Champagne (or five). So, in the spirit of what truly sits at the heart of the festive season, cast aside your wish lists and party frocks and give something back. Herein we outline three options for an altruistic approach to Christmas.
Oxfam Unwrapped
This initiative by the multi-national non-profit encourages people to lend a hand in the name of giving. Their line-up of unique gifts includes animals, food, clean water, school supplies, and contributions to help vulnerable groups. Simply choose how you wish to contribute and Oxfam will send you a card that you can gift someone in place of a conventional present. Your money goes to help those who need it, and the recipient gets the warm-fuzzies knowing the good that occurred in their name. It’s a win-win. Learn more here.
24 Days of Fitmas
Raising money and morale for those who need it most at this time of year, Te Whānau Threads is supporting The Salvation Army and the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal to offer a morning of frolicking and fitness. Set to be an ‘Amazing Race’ style charity challenge, small teams of three to four will undertake 24 workouts in 24 locations across Auckland city. Aptly taking place on the 24th of December, a simple $20 per team as well as a donated present is required for entry with all proceeds going the aforementioned charities. An event to be involved in not only for its philanthropic objective but also because it will inevitably provide some good, old-fashioned fun. Register your team here.
Christmas Box
Since its inception, this organisation has successfully distributed 81,398 (and counting) food packages for New Zealand families unable to afford the Christmas meals to which many of us are accustomed. The model is simple; your donation (minimum of $30) is matched by sponsors to create boxes of food which are then packaged by volunteers and distributed to communities in need. And with many families living in conditions whereby Christmas luxuries must fall by the wayside in order to barely maintain the day-to-day, sometimes the best thing we can do is look in our own backyard. Donate here.
