Volunteers from across Auckland united over the weekend to prepare Christmas presents for thousands of children in the Auckland suburb of Ōtara.
Volunteers for the Ōtara Christmas Present Drop project Photo: RNZ Pacific / Sela Jane Hopgood
The Christmas Present Drop has been in the works for six months as project workers raised donations, wrapped gifts, searched for volunteer Santa's helpers and reindeer - vehicles - to deliver gifts to each student under the age of 13 in the suburb.
The project, believed to be a first for Ōtara, aimed for 10,000 presents to serve the cause.
By the final day of preparation, more than 6000 were collected.
Project leader Johana Temomo said she was incredibly humbled by the support, regardless of whether her committee had reached its goal, as they had enough gifts for the 4000 students.
Director of Nirvana Health Care Ranjna Patel has worked in Ōtara for over 30 years and decided to give her time.
She said the sorting of presents was over in a flash.
Ranjna Patel Samiya and her granddaughter Photo: RNZ Pacific / Sela Jane Hopgood
"They say many hands make light work. The final day of preparation was planned for five hours, but with so many volunteers with can-do attitudes, we finished in an hour," she said.
Ms Temomo had colleagues from her workplace Mercury Energy stop by to lend a hand.
Project leader Johana Temomo with one of the volunteers Photo: RNZ Pacific / Sela Jane Hopgood
Jan Kiria, who calls Ōtara home, did not hesitate to sign up to be a volunteer.
"I am a very religious person and this idea is all about serving and giving back to the community, which is where my interests lie.
"I am also from Ōtara and this is such a phenomenal experience to be part of, especially one that is close to home."
Full-time mother Evangeline Smith, from Mt Roskill, gave up her Saturday morning to support her friend Ms Temomo.
Evangeline Smith with her 8-year-old son Dylan Photo: RNZ Pacific / Sela Jane Hopgood
Ms Smith was accompanied by son Dylan, 8, to be part of Santa's factory.
She envisions the project expanding across the City of Sails.
"All you need is great leaders in each part of Auckland to do what Johana is doing here in Ōtara.
Former professional boxers David Tua and Shane Cameron will make appearances this week to help deliver the gifts to schools, with Auckland Mayor Phil Goff joining in on the festivities.
Volunteers for the Ōtara Christmas present drop Photo: RNZ Pacific / Sela Jane Hopgood
