Snuggle up It’s Jammies 4 June Gizzy time again

PYJAMA PARTY: The Jammies 4 June Gizzy fundraising event is well under way. In their winter woollies are, back row (from left): James Peters, Niko Suttor, Lake Vendt, Nyssa Bagnall, Allison Slater and Jason Larby. Front: Jameson Karaka, Luka Watene, Kitt Vendt, Sinoueti Hemaloto-Ngatu, Brax Beckett, event organiser Cassandra Blumfield and Makeo Larby. Picture by Liam Clayton

Every child in Gisborne should have a warm pair of PJs this winter.

That's the message from organisers of Jammies 4 June Gizzy which is under way for another year.

J4J Gizzy gives locals the opportunity to support children in need by donating new pyjamas, thermals, woolly hats and socks, or cash to buy such items.

The event started on April 1 and runs to May 15.

“Everyone likes to go to bed in something snuggly,” organiser Cassandra Blumfield says.

Cassandra first ran Jammies 4 June in 2017 and over the years it has been able to supply hundreds of pairs of pyjamas and other toasty items for children in Tairawhiti.

Despite the disruptions of Covid-19, over 700 items of clothing were donated last year.

This year's donated goods will be given to schools and other organisations that work with children.

Cassandra says feedback from previous years has been great, especially from some of the smaller schools, where every single child gets pyjamas so no one misses out.

All of the donated goods must be new.

“A lot of children haven't had anything new before so having something that not only keeps you that little bit warmer, but is new too, can bring such a special feeling”.

Cassandra says the whole community comes together for the cause — from businesses running workplace events to schools having “pyjamas days.”

SuperGrans Tairawhiti helped out last year when Cassandra was restricted by the lockdown.

SuperGrans operated as the drop-off and sorting location and is on board again this year.

“In the previous years, all the sorting has been done at my house so I am so grateful to have the incredible team at Supergrans giving their full support once again.”

Drop-offs can be made at multiple venues, including SuperGrans Tairawhiti at 2 Pitt Street between 9am and 5pm on weekdays.

For more drop-off locations, times and information, go to the Jammies 4 June Gizzy Facebook page or contact Cassandra on 027-447-5569.