Over 600 gifts delivered to Women's Refuge
22 December 2013
Christmas is truly the season for giving and the Rotorua community did just that, with over 600 gifts delivered to Waiariki Women's Refuge yesterday morning following Rotorua Museum's annual Community Christmas Tree appeal (20 December).
Waiariki Women's Refuge manager, Miriama Roberts, understands how much the gifts are appreciated following lasy year's donations to the families under its care.
Domestic violence is an ongoing issue in our community. The gifts from the Rotorua Museum Community Christmas Tree make a huge difference to the mums and kids at this time of the year.
Rotorua Museum public programmes manager, Naiomi Murgatroyd, said museum staff members were overwhelmed by people's generous donations.
"It's always a lovely feeling meeting the families that bring in gifts to donate. The museum collected 618 gifts - 130 more than last year - which is incredible.
Two Christmas carol performances by Rotorua District Choir also raised money to purchase more than $800 in vouchers for the refuge.
Gifts can still be dropped off at Rotorua Museum until 3 January as a second delivery will take place in the New Year.
Families, individuals and companies can bring their wrapped gifts into the Museum between 9am and 6pm every day, except Christmas Day.
Rotorua Museum's Community Christmas Tree is sponsored by Farmers.