Excitement is building at Hakatere Marae as members prepare to run their first Christmas shop for tamariki.
Tamariki Christmas Shop is on Sunday December 14.
Marae co-ordinator Tania Reuben said they had heard about the shop concept from successful events run in past years in Fairlie.
The marae is giving tamariki, aged five to 12, the chance to buy low cost Christmas gifts for parents, grandparents and siblings.
It will be a strictly no-adult shopping experience, except for marae volunteers and elves Santa has lent the marae for the day.
Elves will assist any shoppers that need some guidance, and they will also wrap presents so shoppers leave with their goods wrapped and ready for gifting.
‘‘As this is a first time event for us, we are very excited and hope lots of tamariki will come and find something lovely to buy,’’ Reuben said.
‘‘We have had a lot of donations of pre-loved gifts as well as new items for the tamariki to buy.
‘‘We know times are tough for families at Christmas so the cost (for gifts) has been kept under $10, so I’m sure they will find something for their love ones to receive Christmas Day.’’
While the children shop, adults can enjoy a cuppa and conversation with each other.
While a wonderful array of jewellery, toiletries, new items of clothing including Maori All Blacks, ornaments, toys, books, games, confectionery and household items have come in, they still welcome more donations.
Gifts, wrapping paper, gift/ jewellery bags, cellotape, ribbon and bubble wrap can be dropped off to the marae between 9am and 1pm weekdays or contact Tania Reuben on 0272858477.
The children will need to take cash and a shopping bag.
At the shop, tags will be provided for parents/caregivers to write names on to attached to the gift/s bought.
– Tamariki Christmas Shop for kids aged five to 12, at Hakatere Marae, is open 1pm to 4pm December 14.
Cash only, take a shopping bag and shop for parents, grandparents and siblings.
