Mission of good cheer

Jetstar staff wrapping Christmas gifts of books for needy children. Photo / Michael Craig

Anna Benge has completed a flying mission to bring festive cheer to needy children.

The Jetstar pilot joined other airline staff this week to wrap books for youngsters at the Auckland City Mission Christmas lunch.

A limited edition of Hairy Maclary has been produced for children going to the meal for 2800 people at Auckland's Viaduct Events Centre on Thursday.

Benge and flight attendant Ethan Chetty flew from Australia on Wednesday to join a marathon wrapping session.

"It is nice to do something for someone else at Christmas," Benge said.

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Jetstar's Eva Knox said some of the 500 books, penned by Lynley Dodd, would also be given to kids flying with the airline domestically over Christmas.

Jetstar has pumped $25,000 into the Christmas Day lunch annually for three years. Airline staff also help by serving the festive meals.

City missioner Diane Robertson believes the Hairy Maclary stories are ideal gifts as many of the children come from homes where few, if any, books are present.

The kind-hearted gestures from Jetstar were perfect timing for the mission.

Robertson said a wild, wet start to summer had contributed to a significant shortfall in donations.

The mission needed to raise $1.3 million. So far $430,000 has been donated.

"The reality is, this year will be a damned hard Christmas for a lot of families who are cold, wet and struggling. We desperately need more cash."

Donate online at becomesomeonesangel.co.nz.