Help Barnardos bring Christmas to children in need

Child poverty in New Zealand has hit the headlines in recent months, with John Key and his government naming it as their top priority. This is great news, and there’s lots of good work happening around the country to aid children who are facing a level of hardship that no child deserves.

We’re all talking about poverty, and we’re all keen to solve the problem and end the suffering… but this will take time, and the reality is that many of the children Barnardos works with are facing a bleak Christmas.

In fact, thousands of children in New Zealand won’t have a special day at all. They won’t have a Christmas meal. They won’t get a little gift. These are children whose lives are impacted by abuse, neglect, homelessness and poverty.

Children like 3-year-old Oli*, whose young mum recently moved to a new area to escape family violence. Oli’s mum is trying hard to give her best care to Oli, but her debilitating long-term illness means things are extremely tough, and Oli won’t get anything for Christmas. A gift or some extra food would mean the world to him and his mum.

“This year, we are asking New Zealanders to open their wallets and their hearts and make a donation for Barnardos New Zealand children and their families in need,” says Barnardos Chief Executive Jeff Sanders.

“The parents are all doing their best, but circumstances are difficult. It would be nice this year if we can offer them some extras for Christmas like toys and additional food. Ideally what the children tell us they want is a peaceful Christmas with safe and reliable parents.”

To hear more about the kind of Christmas many of our families are facing and to donate to the Barnardos Christmas campaign, go to our Givealittle site: www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/barnardoschristmas

*name changed to protect privacy

About Barnardos New Zealand
Barnardos New Zealand helps thousands of children, young people and families each year, with services such as early childhood education, parenting courses, family support, counselling and supervised contact. We also work directly with children who have experienced family violence, provide residential and foster care, and run 0800 What’s Up, New Zealand’s largest dedicated child helpline. For more information, see www.barnardos.org.nz.

ENDS

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