Todd Mudie Group saves Christmas

Photo and story by Shelley Inon from the Timaru Courier

The Christmas Angels project of Presbyterian Support South Canterbury (PSSC) will run for a third year thanks to a collaboration between the Aoraki Foundation and Todd Mudie Group.

PSSC family works general manager Liz Nolan said while many people celebrated Christmas every year, it was important to remember ‘‘for a lot of people, it’s not a given.’’

That was where the project could help, allowing groups — such as friends and family or workplaces — to buy Christmas gifts or gift vouchers for a local family in need this December.

The project had seen some amazing success stories, such as a recipient of the first Christmas Angels three years ago who, last year, became a donor, Mrs Nolan said.

PSSC chief executive Carolyn Cooper said:

‘‘It only takes a few bills and Christmas is gone. It could come down to choices like your car’s warrant of fitness or Christmas presents for your kids.’’

Aoraki Foundation chief executive Richard Spackman said it was an amazing project which had grown exponentially over the years, from 50 families in the first year to 180 last year.

This was the first time the Aoraki Foundation had co-funded a project with one of business partners.

The foundation had funded the project fully — at $10,000 a year — for the past two years, Mr Spackman said.

When PSSC had applied for another round of funding, the Aoraki Foundation had other priorities to fund and was $6,000 short.

‘‘There is alot of need out there at the moment.’’

Having a conversation with Todd Mudie, he mentioned it ‘‘might be something he might like to co-fund’’.

‘‘The next day, he [Mr Mudie] said ‘the team’s on board,’’’ Mr Spackman said.

Mr Mudie said together the two organisations could ‘‘create a brighter and more memorable Christmas for everyone in the community’’.

Supporting families and the community was at the core of what the group believed in.

‘‘When we were approached about the Christmas Angels project, it aligned perfectly with our commitment to making a positive impact.’’ - Todd Mudie

He felt Christmas was ‘‘a truly magical time, especially for children’’, and the group recognised the importance of spreading happiness during the holiday season.

Online registrations are now open for those who would like to support a family and become a Christmas Angel. Head to pssc.org.nz to sign up.

The Aoraki Foundation would like to thank Shelley and Timaru Courier for their support of positive stories in our community.