Celebrating the Gift of Giving

CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF GIVING AT MOTAT THIS CHRISTMAS

Twinkling fairy lights festoon trams and historic buildings, carollers are warming up and Santa is on his way – the iconic Christmas Lights at MOTAT is almost here again!

For more than a decade, the Museum has raised funds through this fun-filled event to buy Christmas gifts for those less fortunate. Entry is only $2 per person and supported charities are Auckland Women’s Refuge and Auckland City Mission.

MOTAT chief executive Michael Frawley explains that the team at the Museum take great pride in giving back to the Auckland community by inspiring visitors and getting behind fantastic charitable initiatives such as this. “We believe that people should be able to celebrate Christmas no matter what their situation, so we’re thrilled to support the organisations who are offering a helping hand to struggling families at this time of year,” says Mr Frawley.

Auckland City Missioner Chris Farrelly says the donated gifts will be very well received by the thousands of Aucklanders needing support from the Mission this Christmas. “We are really thankful for the generosity of Aucklanders over the holiday period; emergency food, a present and kindness make all the difference to families living in desperate need,” says Mr Farrelly.

Donna Hill, Interim Chair at Auckland Women’s Refuge is also grateful to MOTAT and its visitors for thinking of their families. “MOTAT’s Christmas fundraiser is critical at this time of the year when many women and children are struggling to work through difficult circumstances. These donations mean that a number of families are able to have a more joyful Christmas than they would have had,” says Ms Hill.

There will be a myriad of things to see and do at Christmas Lights at MOTAT with live entertainment, traditional Christmas treats for sale, an interactive Winter Wonderland and horse-drawn carriage rides. Night rides on MOTAT’s heritage trams offer a special view of the Museum’s brand new Christmas tree. Of course children will be delighted to discover Santa in his grotto while his elves roam the grounds keeping everyone entertained. Guests can also take in MOTAT’s old-fashioned Blacksmith Forge in full swing or catch an outdoor festive movie from 9pm each night (weather permitting) before meandering along Regent Street to admire the Christmas themed shop windows.

Visitors can experience the magic of Christmas Lights at MOTAT every evening between 8 and 11pm from 15 to 24 December. Entry is only $2 per person with all proceeds going towards buying gifts for charity. Further details on the MOTAT website.

ENDS

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