Luxon Supports Christmas Box Charity Initiative to Aid Families

Prime Minister and Botany MP Christopher Luxon is lending his support to the Christmas Box charity initiative, which aims to assist New Zealand families in need this holiday season. The initiative, marking its 25th anniversary, anticipates the involvement of approximately 2,500 volunteers across 15 locations nationwide, who will pack a record 35,250 gift-wrapped boxes this weekend.

In a show of solidarity, Luxon will be joined by former All Blacks Pita Alatini and Eroni Clark, as well as MasterChef judge Michael Dearth, to help pack these boxes filled with essential food items. This charitable effort started in 2001 with the simple mission of providing food to families during Christmas, and it has since evolved into one of New Zealand’s largest holiday charity initiatives, collaborating with over 500 organizations to deliver vital supplies to more than 30,000 families each year.

Luxon has participated in the Christmas Box initiative in previous years alongside his wife, Amanda Luxon, and Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown. He emphasized the dual nature of the holiday season, stating, “Christmas is a joyous occasion for many, but it’s also a really tough time for those who are struggling.”

Community Response to Growing Needs

The head of community response for Christmas Box, Rebecca So’e, began her involvement in the initiative 13 years ago, driven by a desire to support her local Auckland community. So’e noted the increasing challenges faced this year, saying, “This has been a very tough year for people across the communities we work in, even tougher than last year.” She reported that some weeks, the community kitchens serve over 2,000 meals, prompting reductions in portion sizes due to demand.

So’e highlighted the emotional weight of the initiative, explaining that each $40 donation provides a Christmas Box filled with approximately $70 worth of food, enough to support a family of four to six. “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,” she remarked.

In Auckland, nearly 1,500 volunteers will pack Christmas Boxes at two locations on November 28-29, 2023. Beyond Auckland, more than 1,000 volunteers will also pack boxes in cities including Christchurch, Rotorua, Whangarei, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Kapiti, Tawa, Porirua, Lower Hutt, Hamilton, Napier, Dunedin, and Invercargill.

So’e expressed her gratitude for the generosity of New Zealanders during the holiday season, stating, “I’ve experienced first-hand that given an opportunity, Kiwis will help others in need at Christmas.” She noted that while not everyone may be able to invite someone to their dining table, many choose to contribute by donating a Christmas Box to someone in need.

One recipient, a woman named Cathy, shared her appreciation for receiving a Christmas Box, stating it was comforting to know that someone cared during a difficult time. “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,’” she reflected.

To support this important cause, individuals can donate a Christmas Box by visiting www.christmasbox.co.nz. The Christmas Box initiative exemplifies how community spirit can make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing hardships during the holiday season.