Help Santa visit every child this Christmas

For most of us, Christmas morning is all about excited little faces, torn wrapping paper and the joy of seeing a child open something they've been hoping for. But this year, thousands of Kiwi kids will wake up on Christmas Day with nothing to unwrap.

That's why our teams are teaming up with the Kindness Collective to help bring the magic of Christmas to local families doing it tough – and we're inviting our community to get behind it too.

Why it matters

Over 170,000 children in New Zealand are living in poverty. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, many families are struggling more than ever to cover the basics – rent, food and power. When every dollar is already spoken for, celebrations like Christmas can quickly slip out of reach.

A new toy might seem like a small thing. But for a child, it can be the difference between a Christmas that feels forgotten and one that feels magical. And for a parent, it can lift a weight they've been carrying for months.

About the Kindness Collective and the Christmas Joy Store

The Kindness Collective is a New Zealand charity that connects children and families with the things they need – from everyday essentials to moments of pure joy.

Each Christmas, they run the Christmas Joy Store, New Zealand's first social toy store. Rather than handing out pre-packed gifts, the Joy Store invites referred parents and caregivers to walk in and choose presents and treats for their children straight off the shelves – completely free.

It's built on a simple idea: the gift of kindness and the dignity of choice. Parents know their children best, and being able to pick out a gift they know their child will love means so much more than receiving a hand-out. For many whānau who walk through the doors, it's about more than presents. It's about feeling seen, supported and reminded that they're not alone.

How you can help

Our Bayleys people are already filling up our Giving Trees with gifts – and you can add yours too. Here's how: Pick up a new toy. Toys, books, balls and board games are all perfect. Please make sure gifts are new and unwrapped, so parents can choose the right one for their child. Think about all ages. Gifts are needed for children aged 1 to 16 – so presents for older kids and teens are just as welcome as ones for toddlers. Pop into one of our offices and place your gift under our Giving Tree. Give as many as you like. Every single gift makes a difference.

Final date for donations: Wednesday 9th December.

Where to drop off your gift

Bayleys Mount Maunganui 110 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui

Bayleys Tauranga 247 Cameron Road, Tauranga

Bayleys Rototuna 1/44 Horsham Downs Road, Rototuna

Bayleys Hamilton – Ulster Street 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton

Bayleys Hamilton – Victoria Street 1030 Victoria Street, Hamilton

Our friendly teams will be happy to see you – just let reception know you're dropping off a gift for the Giving Tree.

Can't make it in?

You can still help. Donations can be made directly to the Kindness Collective at kindness.org.nz, and you can find out more about the Christmas Joy Store at kindness.org.nz/christmasjoy.