Be The Joy, this Christmas

As we approach the end of an unprecedented year, and with Christmas just around the corner, the gift of giving is more important than ever.

Christmas is a time to celebrate with friends and family, but for thousands of New Zealanders living in hardship; stretching the budget to buy gifts and share a special meal together can be out of reach.

The Warehouse Group has launched its annual ‘Be the Joy’ campaign in partnership with Variety – the Children’s Charity and Women’s Refuge, to help to bring cheer to Kiwis struggling over the festive period.

From now through to 17 December, customers at all The Warehouse, Noel Leeming, Warehouse Stationery and Torpedo7 stores across Aotearoa can purchase a $10 gift tag in stores, and for every $10 gift tag sold, The Warehouse Group will donate a $25 gift to a child in need through Variety. The Warehouse stores nationwide are also collecting new, unwrapped gifts for their local Women’s Refuge shelter. The Warehouse Group has a long-standing partnership with Variety and Women’s Refuge to support families facing difficult circumstances.

Women’s Refuge Chief Executive Dr Ang Jury says that New Zealand has one of the highest rates of family violence in the developed world and nearly 5000 women and children across New Zealand call on the help of Women’s Refuge at Christmas time.

“We are so grateful to The Warehouse Group and their customers for making the holidays less stressful for the families we work with. It is our goal to provide a gift for every child engaged in Refuge services over the holiday period and it is a huge source of joy for our tamariki to know that Santa has not overlooked them while they are experiencing a difficult time.” Last year, more than 13,000 gifts were delivered to Women’s Refuges around the country.

The Warehouse Group Chief Sustainability Officer David Benattar says “we are pleased to partner with both Women’s Refuge and Variety again this year. It’s humbling knowing that funds raised and products donated across our ‘Be The Joy’ campaign will provide support to thousands of families living in hardship; so they too can enjoy Christmas”.

Variety – The Children’s Charity, helps to give disadvantaged children the childhood they deserve by providing life essentials, opportunities and additional support. According to Variety, more than 1 in 4 Kiwi kids go without the basics that many people tend to take for granted. This can impact their health, education and self-esteem.

Variety CEO, Susan Glasgow, says “Variety’s partnership with The Warehouse Group enables us to help children and their families at Christmas as well as provide ongoing support throughout the year. Knowing that someone outside of their whanau cares for them makes a world of difference to a child at this time of year.”

As part of the initiative, New Zealand design icon, Trelise Cooper has also launched a special-edition Christmas collection with The Warehouse and Variety – the Children’s Charity to support disadvantaged Kiwi kids. The collection features a range of special-edition Christmas baubles, a Christmas giving platter and seven unique summer tote bags. Proceeds from the sale of the reusable tote bags and one dollar from every bauble and giving platter sold will go to Variety.

If you’d like to support the initiative and thousands of Kiwis experiencing hardship this festive season, head into any of our stores or online to make a donation.