Last month’s Light Up The Tree event has been hailed a community spirited success, and a local retailer has stepped in to increase the good will this season with an additional donation.
The eight schools who participated in the Sustainable Christmas Market, with all products created by students using sustainable or recyclable materials brought in $1800 for the schools, and all have expressed interest in taking part in 2026.
Meanwhile the Youth Council’s sausage sizzle, popcorn and bouncy castle led to 5 crates of non-perishable food items, 3 crates of wrapped gifts and $780 in cash which has been converted into food for food banks by New World Waitaki, in the North End.
These will be split between The Salvation Army and the Combined Churches Food Bank to support those in need this festive season.
New World Waitaki has also made an additional donation of $380 to the Combined Churches Food Bank.
Also benefiting from the evening was the Forrester Gallery, who provided 40 chairs for those wanting to watch Fondue Party play some festive songs – or have a rest – and had 196 visitors to the gallery throughout the evening.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time, provided food donations, or came along to enjoy a community event with the wellbeing of our community at its heart.