🎄 It’s Not Too Late to Make Christmas Special for Our Safe House! 🎁

The holiday season is a time of giving, love, and togetherness—a time when we can come together as a community to spread joy to those who need it most. Here at Ōtepoti Dunedin Whānau Refuge, we are working hard to ensure that the whanau - families staying in our safe house feel the magic of Christmas, but we need your help to make it happen.

Every year, we provide Christmas presents to wāhine and tamariki who are spending the holidays in our care, often far away from familiar surroundings and support networks. Your generosity can help us create a moment of joy, warmth, and hope during what can be an incredibly challenging time for our whānau.

What We Need

If you’re able to contribute, we’re looking for:

• Christmas VOUCHERS or gift cards are all greatly appreciated.

• Urgently in need Rolls of Christmas wrapping paper to ensure every gift is beautifully presented with love and care.

How to Donate

1. Drop Off: Bring your donations to 70 North Taieri Road, Abbotsford

2. Monetary Donations: Prefer to let us do the shopping? You can make a financial contribution via our webpage just press the donate button :)

Help Us Spread the Joy

Every gift you give not only brings joy but also reminds the whānau in our care that they are not alone. Your generosity is a reminder of the kindness and support of the wider community.

Together, let’s make this Christmas one to remember for our wāhine and tamariki.

From all of us at Ōtepoti Dunedin Whānau Refuge, thank you for your aroha and support. ❤️

🎄 Donate today and help us bring the magic of Christmas to those who need it most. 🎁

AKE AKE AKE...

Embracing Growth Through Aroha: Uplifting Each Other

Embracing Growth Through Aroha: Uplifting Each Other and Letting Go of Negativity

Life often presents us with challenges, where we may feel wronged or find ourselves blaming others. In these moments, the way we choose to respond defines our growth—whether we hold onto negativity or let go and uplift one another with aroha and care.

Manaaki: Caring for Others

The act of caring for others, is about supporting and uplifting even when we feel hurt or misunderstood. By practicing kindness and empathy, we create a path to healing, recognizing that everyone is on their own journey. Letting go of judgment and blame opens us up to growth.

Learning and Letting Go

Instead of clinging to blame or being "right," what if we embraced the lessons in our struggles? Growth happens when we reflect, take accountability, and move forward with love. Holding onto past hurts limits us. Letting go creates space for new experiences and healing.

Moving Forward with Aroha

Aroha guides us to show love and self-compassion, helping us release negative patterns and open our hearts to peace. As we practice manaaki, we uplift ourselves and others, moving toward a future built on understanding, growth, and connection.

Ka mua, ka muri

We walk backwards into the future

This whakataukī highlights the importance of learning from the past while moving forward with understanding and care, a fitting reminder to embrace growth and let go of negativity as we journey ahead