Sending Love To Those Who Are Alone At Christmas.

Lindsay Upton from Manukau East Council of Social Services (MECOSS)

Christmas embodies a real and inclusive generosity that no other time of the year can match. Yes, there is stress, but there is also kindness – to those alone and in need.
If you'd like to help spread some Christmas cheer and put a smile on someone's face, MECOSS welcomes contributions of hand-made or shop-bought Christmas cards crafted with hand written messages, for distribution to elderly people confined at home or an age-care facility this festive season.
A collection box has been placed in the foyer of the All Saints’ Community Centre, 30 Cook Street, Howick. Christmas cards can dropped in the box, Monday to Friday between 8:00am and 4:00pm until 13 December.
Tips: Have fun being creative, fill your message with love, make sure your writing is legible, and please keep the envelope unsealed.

More messages from your neighbours

1 day ago

Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎉 2026 is almost here!

We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?

Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

10.6% Yes! New Year, New Me

10.6% Complete
21% Yes - but I rarely stick to them

21% Complete
68.4% Nah - not for me

68.4% Complete

405 votes

21 hours ago

Kōnae: Find Your Records

Hira Siddiqui from Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga/Eastern Manukau

If you want to know how to request records about you or your whānau visit Kōnae: My Records Guide konae.org.nz.

Kōnae has information on more than 60 state and faith-based organisations that have records for over 800 homes and places in Aotearoa New Zealand about people who have been in their guardianship or care.

The Kōnae map shows past and present places in Aotearoa New Zealand like children’s homes, hospitals, orphanages, boarding schools, Youth Justice facilities and many more.

Each place on the map has details about who was responsible for running it and how to get records.

The map can be searched and filtered by
- name
- location
- date range
- religion
- type of organisation.

If you want support to use the website or to find your records, you can get in touch with your local CAB on 0800 367 222, email or message via cab.org.nz, or visit a CAB near you cab.org.nz/find-a-cab

Accessing records can bring up a range of emotions, we encourage you to take care of your wellbeing. You can find suggestions of support at konae.org.nz/support

Original post credit: Citizens Advice Bureau: cab.org.nz