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The Christmas spirit came home in Christchurch on Monday with a food appeal by the City Mission leading to some much needed donations.
City Missioner Michael Gorman said they are desperate for donations of food before Friday.
"It was really serious, you know we knew we had to get the supplies to the caterers today and we just didn't have any."
The Mission caters for around 650 people but is planning for 700, given it's been a financially tough year for many.
So the plea went out and within hours the food was flooding in. It seems people just needed a reminder.
"A couple of years ago we came and gave a whole bunch of stuff and I just kond of forgot this year," one woman said tearfully.
The Christchurch City Mission still needs soft drink, plum puddings, lamb, tins of fruit and fresh berries which can be dropped off as late as Christmas eve.
Cash donations have also been down this year around the country and more people than ever are needing help.
In Auckland the City Mission is struggling to cater for an extra 400 families, the highest figure in a decade.
"It's an enormous number of people to provide food for and we're really struggling to keep up with donations of food, money & and donations of presents," says Diane Robertson, Auckland City Missioner
They too are hoping a last minute influx will make Christmas a little bit merrier.
For donation details:
Auckland City Mission
website
Wellington City Mission website
Christchurch City Mission
website
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