Generosity of Chartwell community donates over $14,000 to Plunket

Chartwell Shopping Centre’s annual Christmas gift-wrapping service has raised an incredible $14,214.22 for Whānau Āwhina Plunket.

From 5 December to Christmas Eve, shoppers had their gifts beautifully wrapped by a team of 30+ dedicated Plunket volunteers and 12 Chartwell staff, ensuring the gift wrapping service was always available throughout the Christmas period.

In return for this festive convenience, shoppers provided donations to Plunket, Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest support service for tamariki under five and their whānau.

Chartwell Shopping Centre Marketing Manager Linda Jackson says the initiative has become a heartwarming holiday tradition.

“The gift wrapping stations in Centre bring the community together for a great cause and is a perfect example of how small acts of kindness add up to something big.”

“Our shoppers love the ease of getting their gifts wrapped at the centre, and they love even more that it’s helping Kiwi families. Every ribbon tied and bow placed, helps to support Plunket and enable them to continue offering their vital services, including free health checks and 24/7 parenting support, to the community” says Jackson.

Plunket’s Community Services Manager – Te Ti Raki (Central Region), Annalee Hayward, shares her gratitude for the generosity shown by Chartwell community.

“The first few years of a child’s life are so important, and every dollar raised through this initiative helps us provide health and wellbeing support for whānau across the Waikato,” says Hayward.

Whānau Āwhina Plunket provides a range of free services, including Well Child Tamariki Ora checks, mental health support, PlunketLine – a 24/7 parenting and child health helpline – and community programmes that support families in their early years.

With over $14,000 raised for the 2024 Christmas season, everyone who got their gifts wrapped played a part in making a real difference for local tamariki and their whānau.