Scores of fun toys, educational activities, and sporting goods have been given to help one-parent families have a special Christmas.
The items were part of a more than $5000 donation by Mitre 10 Mega Ashburton to Birthright Ashburton.
Birthright supports one-parent families and currently has 25 one-parent families on its books.
Birthright social worker Tracey Mabey said Birthright was ‘‘blown away’’ by the donation.
‘‘It’s been such a hard year (for my clients), I’ve only been here six months, but I’ve been very privileged to represent Ashburton and the clients here.’’
Birthright worked alongside families, offered information, support or be someone to talk to about issues or concerns.
New clients were supported for up to three years and the service worked with the whole family and support them as they grew in confidence and independence.
Mabey said people can self-refer to the service if they wanted. It can be done via the phoning the 0800 457 146, via Facebook or through Community House Mid Canterbury.
‘‘Dynamics have changed in the last few years so it’s not just single mums, it’s single dads, grandparents.
Anybody that’s (parenting) on their own.
‘‘Our philosophy is by supporting parents that’s supporting the child.’’
Being given donated gifts did bring a smile to the faces of the children, and the parents, she said.
‘‘It’s very humbling receiving all this.’’
Mitre 10 Mega has for many years supported people in the community especially those such as Birthright which had proven benefits for families.
Christmas added another layer of pressures on many families at this time of year and the company was especially pleased to be able to help in this way.
Operations manager Michelle Brown said Mitre 10 was honoured to support the community at this time of year.
‘‘It is all about giving and the Lye family and Mitre 10 Ashburton are very happy to support such a worthy cause.’’
