Christmas can be an exciting time filled with family, shared gifts, and celebration, but for many it is also the loneliest time of the year, highlighting financial and emotional struggles of the season.

The Eastern Bay Community Foundation (EBCF) has partnered with Craigs Investment Partners to provide 100 Christmas food parcels to seniors in need across the district.

Craigs Investment Partners runs an annual Christmas giving programme in which staff contribute a portion of their pay, with the funds donated to EBCF to purchase groceries and create food parcels for the community.

Community foundation member Angela Jackson is thrilled to be heading out into the community to deliver some Christmas cheer,

“A lot of community foundations don’t do initiatives like this, but we feel strongly connected to the Eastern Bay, so it’s something we really wanted to do. We’ve purchased the groceries, packed the boxes, and we’ll be delivering them over the next two days,” she said.

“We’ve already received several calls through our 0800 ‘Here to Help You’ service, where people can request a food parcel.

“Some of the stories are quite hard to hear. While people are incredibly appreciative, many have mobility issues and don’t leave their homes often, or they’re surviving on just one meal a day. There are also many grandparents caring for grandchildren, which makes things especially tight at this time of year,” she said.

The community foundation also reached out via social media and contacted community agencies throughout the Eastern Bay to identify need and receive referrals.

Each food parcel includes staples such as flour, rice, pasta, and canned goods, along with festive treats including chocolate, freezable ice blocks, and steamed puddings.