Army of volunteers bring Christmas smiles to Kidz First tamariki living with long-term health conditions

Azalyah Fowler says hello to Santa at the Kidz First Christmas Party yesterday. Photo / Alex Burton

• The Middlemore Foundation and Dave Letele are assembling presents and kai boxes for Kidz First patients.
• Donors have contributed $30,000 worth of toys and 300 food parcels for South Auckland families.
• Corporate support and volunteers ensure thousands of tamariki and caregivers enjoy a joyful Christmas.

It takes a village to raise a child, and for South Auckland’s Kidz First patients and the 12,000 tamariki living with long-term health conditions, it has taken an army of volunteers and donors to ensure they experience the magic of Christmas and receive vital support throughout the year.

The Middlemore Foundation, together with Kidz First Community ambassador Dave Letele, is in the final stages of assembling thousands of presents and hundreds of kai boxes. Their mission is to ensure that these tamariki can enjoy the festivities like everyone else and that their caregivers know they can rely on the unwavering support of foundation donors to face the challenges that 2025 might bring.

Mum Ahi Harrison, Nina-Grace, 7, Wairere Harrison (big sister) with dad Ryyko Smith at yesterday's Kidz First Christmas Party. Photo / Alex Burton

Thanks to the generosity of donors from across Aotearoa, organisers have packed 300 food parcels, distributed $30,000 worth of toys, and secured resources for the year ahead.

This incredible feat includes support from those who rallied behind BBM’s Givealittle campaign after their foodbank freezer was vandalised. The funds raised enabled BBM not only to provide special kai boxes to Kidz First families but also to extend support to whānau across the North Island.

Dave Letele and Middlemore Foundation CEO Margi Mellsop acknowledge the monumental effort required to co-ordinate such a campaign.

“Getting the food and presents sorted, and ensuring we have enough donations to support Kidz First community families through the year, is a huge undertaking,” says Mellsop. “But thanks to the incredible work of our teams, volunteers, and donors, it looks like we’ll bring joy to thousands of tamariki and their families once again this year.”

Corporate support has been particularly heartening this year. Mellsop highlights the growing contributions from companies and organisations.

“So many are collecting toys, volunteering, and making generous donations. We really couldn’t do this without their support.”

BBM’s ability to deliver kai packs again is because of the generosity of Z Energy, musician Jawsh685, Beard Brothers, and AIS Global Group. Foundational supporters of the Kidz First Christmas initiative – Life Church, Seventh Day Adventist Church, Aroa Biosurgery, Mace Foundation, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Foundation, Kerry Logistics, Rotary Clubs and Freemasons as well as schools across Auckland – have been joined this year by Foodstuffs, MediaWorks, DHL, Westpac, Ray White and Fonterra.

Brian Ward, founder of Aroa Biosurgery, shares his pride in supporting the initiative: “At Aroa, we’re proud to be ongoing supporters of the Kidz First Christmas Party. Contributing to the health and wellbeing of our community is at the heart of what we do, and helping to make this special day happen each year is a highlight for us.”

This collective effort has been a beacon of hope during challenging times for many South Auckland families, who simply want to see their children happy over the holidays. Thanks to the generosity of volunteers, donors, and corporate supporters, thousands of tamariki and their caregivers will experience a Christmas to remember – filled with joy, support, and the enduring spirit of community.