Luxon Joins Former All Blacks to Support Christmas Box Initiative

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is lending his support to the Christmas Box charity initiative, a community effort aimed at providing essential food items to families in need during the holiday season. The initiative, marking its 25th anniversary this year, is set to mobilize approximately 2,500 volunteers across 15 locations in New Zealand, with a goal of packing a record 35,250 Christmas Boxes during the weekend of November 28-29, 2023.

The Christmas Box initiative began in 2001 with a simple mission: to distribute gift-wrapped food packages to families struggling during the festive season. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the largest charitable efforts in the country, collaborating with more than 500 organizations to deliver food and festive cheer to over 30,000 Kiwi families annually.

Luxon will be joined by notable figures including former All Blacks Pita Alatini and Eroni Clark, as well as MasterChef judge Michael Dearth. Together, they will assist volunteers in preparing the iconic gift-wrapped boxes, symbolizing hope and community spirit.

In a statement, Luxon emphasized the dual nature of the Christmas season. “Christmas is a joyous occasion for many, but it’s also a really tough time for those who are struggling,” he said. His involvement in the initiative is part of a broader commitment to supporting vulnerable communities throughout New Zealand.

Among those leading the charge is Rebecca So’e, head of community response for Christmas Box. So’e, who began volunteering 13 years ago, noted the increasing demand for assistance this year. “This has been a very tough year for people across the communities we work in, even tougher than last year,” she explained. “We’re serving more than 2,000 meals at our community kitchens some weeks, and we’re having to decrease portion sizes.”

The emotional impact of receiving a Christmas Box cannot be understated. So’e described the reaction of families when they receive the boxes. “When families are given a Christmas Box, they’re honestly in a state of shock that somebody thought of them and cares enough to send them a gift of food. There’s a lot of emotion and tears.”

In Auckland, nearly 1,500 volunteers will gather at two locations to pack boxes, while additional volunteers across the country will do the same in cities such as Christchurch, Rotorua, Whangarei, and Tauranga. Participating organizations include VisionWest, Middlemore Foundation, New Zealand Police, Sanitarium, TradeMe, Fonterra, and Watties, showcasing the collective effort from various sectors to support those in need.

So’e expressed her admiration for the generosity of New Zealanders during the holiday season. “I’ve experienced first-hand that given an opportunity, Kiwis will help others in need at Christmas,” she said. “Although we might not all be able to invite someone to our table this Christmas, they might choose to donate a Christmas Box to someone in need.”

One recipient, identified as Cathy, shared her experience receiving a Christmas Box. “I wasn’t looking forward to Christmas because I knew I would be alone. One year, I received a Christmas Box, and I thought ‘wow, somebody’s thinking of me,’ and it showed me there is life out there,” she recounted.

The Christmas Box initiative represents more than just food; it embodies a message of care and community support during a challenging time of year. Those interested in contributing to the cause can visit www.christmasbox.co.nz to donate a Christmas Box to someone in need.