Sharing spirit of Christmas at Kaiti

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Opinion

“Love came down at Christmas” and it certainly did on Christmas Day at the Kaiti Mall.

We were worried about the weather because, without being able to be outside, we would not have enough seating. Thanks to Earnest and the congregation of the Church next door offering their Church room, we were able to seat almost 200 comfortably. That was one of the gifts we received with love and support.

Over the two days of preparation, we experienced so much love from the community.

People arrived with food and presents to make sure everyone who would otherwise not have experienced a Christmas with companionship, a Christmas feast, and a warm and loving atmosphere, did so.

Families left their own celebrations and came to volunteer and help make the day happy for others.

“The Wiz” sang for us all through dinner, Father Christmas handed out presents for all the children, and an amazing team led by angels called Pare and cousins Tangi, Richard, Hine and their faithful followers made every gift of food into a feaster’s delight.

It was such a privilege to be part of such a happy two days and to experience the love and support of a community, it’s people, businesses and organisations.

Most of all, thank you Tuta and all at Ka Pai Kaiti for the constant giving, and your love and support for the community.

May the Christmas ?blessings we experience at this time, and the closeness with each other, go with us into the new year and beyond.

Nona Aston