Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust
Christmas blessings in the form of Presents out South
Rise+Shine Josiah Mika Foundation
The spirit of Christmas was felt throughout South Auckland last year, thanks to the Rise+Shine Josiah Mika Foundation supporting the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust with presents for fifty Tamariki and Rangatahi.
This gesture supported the important work the trust does, to empower grandparent and whanau caregivers to raise resilient and healthy children and young people.
Shirley Afoa is the local coordinator in Papakura, a role she has had for over 8 years. According to Afoa, the koha, by way of presents, provided to whanau out south was “something truly special.”
“This was huge, I don’t know how else to put it. Being able to say to Grandparents, ‘hey this is for you to help with Christmas gifts’ was really special. Especially coming out of Covid lockdowns and all the pressure that comes with that.”
“There were tears, plenty of tears – because for these families, it’s more than a gift. So much more. These are kids that come with trauma – and trauma doesn’t go away overnight. Many of the carers I talk to don’t have strong support systems to help them.”
As part of the support provided by the Rise+Shine Josiah Mika Foundation, presents and gift cards were donated and distributed to deserving whānau. Something Afoa says will have a lasting impact for years to come.
“So many of the people I know - our community, support their grandkids just on the pension. They don’t have much and are very reluctant to even ask for help, so being able to say ‘here… this is for you, and your mokos’ … for some it was more than a Christmas present – it was a lifeline.”
Foundation Trustee Julie Wharewera-Mika is clear in her whakaaro that all of this wouldn’t be possible without selfless individuals like Shirley;
"Community champion Shirley Afoa (a grandparent raising grandchildren herself) works tirelessly assisting grandparents and whānau. It was our privilege to support such a deserving community during a time that can be joyful but also tough. The presents included educational and sporting gifts carefully selected with love by young people volunteering for the Foundation".
To the Foundation, on behalf of the families that received this Christmas blessing – Afoa just has one message: Thank you.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you. This hasn’t just impacted Grandparents and Grandkids – it has been felt by everyone, especially in South Auckland. What a beautiful thing to do. Thank you”