The festive season should be filled with friends, family, and food, but there are many who simply can’t afford Christmas this year.

That’s why Tauranga’s Christmas in the Park at Mount Maunganui’s Soper Reserve on December 7 aims to bring a little bit of festive spirit to the families who need it most.

Run by the Community Projects Charitable Trust, in partnership with The Breeze Tauranga’s Stuff the Bus, the festive fundraising event is not ticketed. Instead, people are asked to bring a gold coin, non-perishable food, or a wrapped gift.

All donations are then collected and distributed to local charities in time for Christmas.

Community Projects Charitable Trust representative Chris Duffy said with the rising cost of living Christmas can be a really hard time of year for many people.

“We get numerous emails from people living on the breadline who are too proud or don’t feel like they can ask for help.

“It is really real for people out there. A lot of people have said they just can’t afford Christmas this year.”

Duffy encourages local businesses and people to donate what they can.

“If you are in a position to help and want to be part of this kaupapa, this is your way of giving back.”

The goods are donated to community charities across the region, including women’s refuge groups, as well as local community centres.

The event aims to bring a little bit of festive spirit to the families who need it most. Photo / ilk Photography.

Fellow Trust representative Rachelle Duffy said any type of gift is welcome.

“We make sure we give things to charities that they need and try to tailor our food packages and presents to each charity. If they know of a family with a child who is really into Lego but the family hasn’t been able to afford it, we will try to accommodate that.”

Rachelle said the event, which has been operating for more than 10 years, is not only a fun family-friendly day out but a chance for people to give back.

“There is so much that goes on behind the scenes. We want to celebrate the people who have been doing the mahi the whole year round.

“It is giving those charities a little extra helping hand around this time of year.”

Tauranga Christmas in the Park social media manager, Millie Guest, said there are also opportunities for people to volunteer at the event or help pack up the boxes of donated goods to be distributed to local charities.

“There are many ways to help lend a hand. We are always looking for food and gift donations that we can donate too.”

The event will also include live performances by local musicians such as the Tuatara Collective, Big Band, Inachord (Ladies Choir), Indecisive, and A Night Of.

There will also be a Santa’s Grotto, balloon making, free face painting, pottery classes, weaving and sewing workshops, backyard games, and fun football.

Guest said there will be an array of delicious street food stalls and The Little Big Markets Christmas market, "which is perfect for Christmas shopping".

“Santa will also be arriving in a red convertible and the little ones can get photos with Santa in the photo booth.

“This is a family-friendly, fun day out to get you in the Christmas spirit, while also helping those who need it most," Guest said.

The details:
What: Tauranga’s Christmas in the Park 2024
When: Saturday December 7 
Time: 10am-4pm
Where: Soper Reserve, Mount Maunganui
Cost: Gold coin, food donation, or wrapped gift