A Story of Resilience: This Year's Deserving Family

As we approach this special time of year, we want to share something meaningful with you, a story that reminds us all of the power of community and the difference we can make when we come together.

Eight Years of Making a Difference

For eight years now, instead of traditional corporate gifts, we've redirected that gesture into something far more purposeful: supporting a deserving family in our community who simply needs a hand up. This year's family has touched our hearts in ways we didn't anticipate, and it's only possible because of our customers continued support of our business.

A Family of Quiet Dignity

We met a family that embodies quiet dignity and unwavering determination. A mother and father who love their two young boys, aged six and eight, with a fierceness that shines through every challenge they face. These parents are incredibly proud, careful with every dollar, and focused entirely on giving their children the best possible start in life.

This family was nominated by their local school, a testament to how deeply they're woven into the fabric of their community. The school staff, who see these boys every day and witness the parents' dedication firsthand, knew this was a family quietly doing their best and deserving of support.

A Story of Resilience

The mother's story itself is one of resilience. As an eight-year-old pupil at Waimāuku School, she was struck by a car, an accident so severe that her survival seemed uncertain. Yet here she is, decades later, watching her own two boys walk through the same school gates she once did. Remarkably, the current deputy principal was her teacher back then, a beautiful full-circle moment that speaks to the deep roots this family has in their community.

It's these deep roots that have helped carry them through. The Muriwai community, recognizing this family's challenges, rallies around them in various and meaningful ways.

The Challenges They Face

Life has not been without its challenges. The mother lives with chronic pain that has gradually taken away her ability to work, while the father, after 23 years, lost his job during COVID and now works just two days a week, doing work he is extremely proud of.

Their eldest son has developmental delays, faces motor planning challenges that affect his balance and coordination, and receives ongoing speech therapy to help him communicate and learn. Their youngest also receives ongoing Speech and Language Therapy.

Yet through it all, these parents manage their modest budget with remarkable skill, never extending themselves, and always putting their boys first. These are bright, loving children who want to participate, who want to learn, who want to keep up with their peers. But every additional support, every therapy session, every opportunity comes at a cost that stretches an already tight budget.

Simple Needs, Profound Impact

When we asked what would make the biggest difference, their answers were heartbreakingly simple: food for the pantry, clothes and shoes for growing boys, petrol to get around, and the opportunity for their children to do what other kids do. Their youngest son is full of energy, incredibly active and busy, and would thrive with physical activities such as swimming to channel that boundless enthusiasm.

How We're Helping

This festive season, because of our customers support, we're able to help ease their burden. We've provided grocery vouchers to help put food on the table, assistance with power bills to ease financial pressure, fuel vouchers and clothing for the boys so they have what they need as they grow. We're also funding swimming lessons and activities that will help these children thrive alongside their peers, particularly important for their youngest, whose boundless energy and zest for life needs positive outlets where he can channel that beautiful enthusiasm. Furthermore, we have funded some of their speech therapy sessions.

We wanted to do more than just help with Christmas, we wanted to contribute to a brighter future. Our customers support of our business has made it possible to help this beautiful family in meaningful ways. You've helped put food on their table, clothes on the boys' backs, and opportunities within their reach. Our clients have helped lighten the load for a family doing their very best and opened doors for two bright young boys who deserve every chance to flourish.

More Than Just Christmas

This festive season is about more than just one family's Christmas, it's about investing in their future, easing their burden, and reminding them that their community sees them, values them, and stands with them.

These are the moments that remind us why we do what we do. When we come together as a community, when we support local businesses who give back, when we extend a hand to those who need it most, we create ripples of change that go far beyond a single season.

Thank you to all our clients for making this possible. Thank you for being part of a community that cares.

The Power of Community

This family's story is a reminder that behind every challenge, there are people trying their best, loving fiercely, and hoping for a brighter tomorrow. And when we come together, we can help make that tomorrow a reality.