Many churches, charities, and community groups work hard to help those in need throughout the year. Often, there are many families and individuals doing it tough during the Christmas season.
One initiative giving people a chance to lend a helping hand is from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This Christmas there will be Light the World Giving Machines in 126 locations in 21 countries.
In New Zealand and Australia, there will be giving machines in Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Wellington, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Perth, Melbourne, Newcastle, and Sydney.
What is a Giving Machine?
Think of it as a “reverse vending machine.” Instead of buying a snack, you donate an item—like meals, hygiene kits, school supplies, or mental health care. 100% of donations go to trusted locar and global charities. The process takes less than a minute: choose an item, tap your card, and you’re done.
Giving-Machine-2024-Kickoff-NZ
Left to right: Dave Letele of BBM Motivation and Elder Peter F. Meurs, Pacific Area President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, explain to TVNZ Breakfast viewers how to use a Giving Machine (9 December 2024). © 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Why it matters:
A single mother in New Zealand shared how donations for school uniforms lifted a huge burden, helping her eight children start school with confidence.
"I can’t express how grateful I am for the support I received with stationery and school uniforms for my eight children. As a single mother coming out of an abusive relationship, I faced many challenges, and providing for my kids was already tough, especially with the high cost of uniforms. This blessing has lifted a huge burden off my shoulders, allowing me to focus on rebuilding our lives. My kids can start school feeling confident and ready, and I can finally breathe a little easier knowing they have what they need.”
A school leader said Church and community support eased hardship for families still struggling after COVID-19.
“The generous funding received from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has had a significant impact on our school community, particularly for families facing hardship due to the long-term effects of COVID-19. Many parents lost employment, and several senior students have had to work part-time to help their families with basic needs like food and bills.”
Dave Letele of BBM Motivation, a partner charity, expressed gratitude for the impact on vulnerable families.
“We would like to express our gratitude to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their generous donation through the Giving Machine initiative, which has enabled us to support many vulnerable families during these challenging times.”
In 2024, Giving Machines worldwide saw 850,000 visitors, nearly 500,000 donations, providing 2 million meals, 500,000 vaccines, and 125,000 emergency food boxes for refugees.
Beyond numbers, Giving Machines make giving personal. For many, Christmas celebrates the love of God for all His children, and the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ—a time to show love and serve others. For everyone, it’s a reminder of what matters most: family, community, and compassion.
Robert Dil and his family are regulars at the Auckland giving machine. They say they find it a good way to strengthen their faith and help others.
“The Giving Machine has become an annual part of our family traditions, and we help feel the Spirit of Christmas and the Light of Jesus Christ as we serve through the Giving Machines and make meaningful donations. We look forward to serving again this year back at Sylvia Park. It brings our family closer together and helps it feel like Christmas!“
Find a Giving Machine near you: Giving Machine | Australia & New Zealand