Christmas From The Heart

A Christmas with Dignity

Christmas from the Heart 2025 showed what can happen when practical support is offered with dignity, generosity, and care.

For many whānau connected with Visionwest, Christmas is not simply a season of celebration. Rising living costs, housing insecurity, reduced work hours, illness, grief and other unexpected pressures can turn what should be a joyful time into one marked by stress, whakamā (shame) and difficult choices. For some, joy simply does not fit within the family budget.

Held across five weekdays from 11–17 December, Christmas from the Heart created a welcoming space where whānau could receive support in a way that affirmed their mana and strengthened connection. Nearly 1,000 families—around 4,500 adults and children—were welcomed to our Glendale campus. From the earliest planning through to the final pack-down, the focus was not only on the quantity of food and gifts distributed, but on the quality of care experienced by every person who came through the gates.

A Welcoming Experience for Whānau

A pre-event booking system helped create a calm and unhurried environment. Whānau were welcomed as guests and guided through the experience by Visionwest kaimahi or volunteer “Christmas Elves”. They were invited into hospitality, activities and conversation before choosing kai from the Kai from the Heart supermarket, selecting gifts and stocking fillers for their tamariki, receiving fresh produce, and having gifts wrapped ready for Christmas morning. Across the week, the campus carried a sense of celebration, with shared food, music, children’s activities, a photo booth, haircuts, ice cream, donuts and other features that helped make the experience feel special.

Practical Help at Scale

In 2025, Christmas from the Heart supported 981 families and provided main Christmas gifts and stocking fillers for 2,506 children. Whānau received food for Christmas meals and essential household needs, including 1,271 Christmas food boxes, large quantities of fresh produce, meat, pantry staples, and treats. Additional Christmas food boxes were also provided for Home Healthcare client whānau, whānau in Transitional Housing, and elderly whānau. This practical support helped reduce immediate pressure while creating space for joy, rest, and connection.

Aroha in Action

The event was made possible through the generosity of a wide community. Fifty-seven organisations—including businesses, schools, churches, community groups, donors, suppliers, funders and corporate volunteer teams—contributed through gift collections, donations, supplies, sponsorship and hands-on support. Their involvement reinforced a simple but powerful message to whānau: you are not alone, and your community has shown up for you.

Hope Beyond Christmas

The impact was best expressed by whānau themselves.