Speaking to women in the Auckland suburb of Mt Roskill last Saturday (19 September), Tania P. said, “We are just so overwhelmed and privileged to be receiving these gifts for our families and children. These donations made with love will go a long way.”
Representing a local women’s refuge, Tania was thanking a group of Latter-day Saint women who had completed a number of community service projects on behalf of various charitable organisations, including her own.
The event capped months of service projects including collection of food items, creation of children’s activity books, knitting of hand scarves, quilting homemade blankets, bundling women’s pamper gift packs, and creating inspirational plaques.
Other organisations which received support from the Latter-day Saint women included Sunset Rest Home, Children’s Cancer Foundation, and Sisters of Mercy.
Over the last few weeks women from local Latter-day Saint congregations also visited with elderly residents in aged care homes.
Local Latter-day Saint leader, Joanne Ball, said, “The purpose of the program was to generate a sense of unity amongst the sisters as they worked together to create items for a greater cause. It was an outreach program to other women in the community.”
Some of the materials used in the projects were provided by local businesses.
Sunday’s event also included workshops to help strengthen women and families; support pre-schoolers’ learning and development; and assist parents of younger children and teenagers.