Christmas tears of joy at women's refuge

HAPPY: From left, Karisma Vala, Miriama Roberts and Kathy Nicholls are stoked with the communities donations fro Waiariki Women's Refuge. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER

The generosity of the community will help bring a little happiness to women and children at the Waiariki Women's Refuge, says its manager.

For the fifth year running the Rotorua Museum set up its Community Christmas Tree, even though it was forced to close when cracks were discovered in the iconic building.

The tree was then set up in the Rotorua Library and the community donated gifts and money which were taken to the refuge's Pererika St office.

A total of 106 gifts and more than $100 was donated by the public for the annual appeal.

Waiariki Women's Refuge manager Miriama Roberts said the gifts were a wonderful bonus for women and their children at this time of year.

"This is a huge support for all the women and children who use our services. We see tears and all sorts. It's absolutely stunning.

"I think it's just beautiful when mothers come in and they burst into tears when they see all the donations," Mrs Roberts said.

Rotorua Museum events co-ordinator Kathy Nicholls said it was a great way of helping facilitate the community to give back by having the tree up.

"It is really important for us with the museum closing that we hold on to these traditions so it was great to work closely with the library."

Mrs Nicholls said she was blown away by the generosity of the community.

Rotorua Public Library programmes and events lead Karisma Vala said the library was honoured to be involved.

"We are happy to support the museum at this time and we have been really humbled by people's generosity.

"It's a wonderful thing to be a part of," Ms Vala said.

Places to seek support:
■ Women's Refuge 0800 REFUGE
■ Shakti Ethnic Women's Support Group 0800 SHAKTI
■ MATES (Men's Group) 0800 4MATES
■ It's Not Ok national Helpline 0800 456 450
■ Shine National Helpline 0508 744 633