16 December, 2016

Kaikoura kids set for a memorable Christmas

The 650 children of Kaikoura were facing a bleak Christmas this year. Earthquakes isolated their town, and cut off their physical link to the outside world.

But Otago residents have helped ensure their Christmas is one to remember.

“Arohanui from Otago” is a project run by the School of Social Services at Otago Polytechnic.

The public were invited to bring in wrapped Christmas gifts, which are being sent up to the children of Kaikoura.

Erin Marlow, School of Social Services Operations Coordinator, is amazed at how generous the Otago public has been. “We’ve collected more than five hundred gifts for Kaikoura kids this Christmas. They’re all on their way up there – and Santa will hand them out at a community Christmas party on Monday. It’s amazing how Kaikoura has come together to celebrate this”.

The Otago Polytechnic gifts will go to Casebrook Intermediate in Christchurch, where two pupils, Kohana Bourke and Mia Ormsby, have organised a main collection point. They’ve received gifts from all over the world. By Monday morning, they will have filled a 200 foot shipping container. Kohana’s father owns 4D Freight, will truck the gifts into Kaikoura on Monday morning.

The Kaikoura Christmas party on Monday afternoon, will include bouncy castles, fairy areas, and of course, Santa’s grotto. Every child will receive at least two gifts.

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