Each tree was hand-delivered on Friday to families who have required food support from Tauranga Community Foodbank.
The families also received a $500 Pak’nSave voucher.
The process took a whole day, starting from 9am, and trees were delivered across Katikati, Tauranga City, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa and Lower Kaimai.
The 30 families were chosen through referral services connected to the foodbank, including Bay Financial mentors, Ngāi Te Rangi iwi and Salvation Army Community Ministries.
Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi Trust regional senior social worker Terresa Williams said providing a Christmas tree to struggling whānau she supported represented more than material aid.
“These gestures profoundly impact their morale and wellbeing by alleviating significant financial and emotional burdens.”
She said it was a “vital expression” of care, community and hope.
“During what can be a stressful time, such gestures remind families that they are not alone and that support is available.”
Suzanne Wright, who works within Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi Trust’s transitional housing, said the whānau who received the trees were overwhelmed.
Thirty trees were decorated by the community and delivered to families. Photo / Kaitlyn Morrell
“In many cases, they would never experience the freedom this generous gift brought to their lives.”
Wright shared with the Bay of Plenty Times what one recipient said about their special delivery.
“This tree means everything to me and my family, sharing our special moments and the promise of what Christmas should be – to have this gift is overwhelming and so special for us.”
The recipient said they didn’t remember having a tree during their own childhood and hoped to pay the kindness forward.
“This tree brings so much joy and happiness to our home, and I feel very privileged and grateful to be a lucky recipient.”
Bay Financial Mentors manager Shirley McCombe said she worked hard to ensure the trees and vouchers reached those in greatest need.
“For many of the clients we support, this is the only Christmas they will experience.”
She said there was a growing recognition of the “profound impact” poor financial wellbeing had, with accommodation and food costs continuing to put pressure on families.
“This simple act of kindness means they can enjoy a special meal and give their children a small gift – something they never imagined possible.”
Neil Sorensen (left), Jasmine Watene, Libby Bradley, Lana Stretton and Jove Du Plessis from Access Partners in Property and Tauranga Crossing helped deliver the trees. Photo / Kaitlyn Morrell
On average, 770 households each month sought support with food.
A total of 9520 kai packages were distributed in the past 12 months, assisting 23,618 people – about half of them children.
Tauranga Crossing marketing manager Lana Stretton said it was “incredibly moving” to see the Trees for Charity initiative support families in the community.
“It’s about making a meaningful impact in our community and helping ensure every family can experience some festive joy.”
Stretton said beyond providing a Christmas tree and a grocery voucher, the initiative ensured families were thought of and cared for.
“Even small acts of generosity can make a huge difference.”
Tauranga Crossing encouraged visitors to the centre to drop off non-perishable food donations for the foodbank at the upstairs Level 1 collection point until Christmas Eve.
Kaitlyn Morrell is a multimedia journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.
