Halswell Community Hub Xmas Donations
Every year for the past 7 years we have collaborated with several agencies around Halswell and Christchurch. From Odyssey House, the Hoon Hay Food Bank, Open Home Foundation, City Mission Outreach and Project Esther, to local families in need. The aim is to bring a little relief and hopefully a little joy at Christmas. It can be a stressful and expensive time of year for many. While we realise October seems a little early to start thinking about Christmas, we need time to receive donations, sort them and pass them on to the recipients before each organisation pauses over the Christmas period. We do ask that all items are new only please.
Drop off to: the Halswell Community Hub, 381 Halswell Road from October through to mid December.
This year we are partnering with:
Ngā Maihi - Steppingstones Trust/Odyssey House/Purapua Whetu
Open Home Foundation
Local families
Donations required:
Toiletry packs – shampoo, conditioners, sanitary items (period underwear/pads/tampons/cups etc), deodorant, toothbrushes & paste, cotton buds, body wash/soap, lip balm, hairbrush, razors, hair ties, shaving cream, sunscreen and cosmetic bag/toiletries bag. Outdoor sports equipment/toys, weighted soft animals, squishmallow toys, unicorns, pokemon cards, books, transformers, fidget toys, art supplies like a sketch pad/ watercolour pencils Voucher activity(Swimming Pools etc).
Warnings about scams
This Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush or threaten you to act immediately.
🔍 Requests for personal info: Be cautious if you’re asked for bank details, passwords, or sensitive information.
🔍 Unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
🔍 Unverified contacts: Emails, calls, or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Stop and think before sharing personal details or making payments.
✅ Don't click on any links until you know that it is safe.
✅ Verify the source: Contact the organisation directly using official channels.
✅ If something’s not right, it's OK to hang up, walk away, ignore it and move on.
If you wish to report a scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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5% Second half of November
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44.6% 1st December
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16.7% A week before Christmas
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32.4% Whenever you wish
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
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