“I remember going to the local school with the kids to meet the trucks rolling in with donations to help us and how great that felt to know someone cared,” Grocott said. “I was watching the news last night and I thought, ‘now it s time for us to return the favour’.” Anyone who wants to donate good quality items can drop them off to 6 Brancroft Place, Parklands; Christchurch Community Talk and Support, Burnside; 3 Gillatt Gardens, Halswell; and 75 Proctor St, Papanui. The only items accepted are non-perishable food items, new toiletries, home wares, toys and clothing, and vouchers for shops that are open including New World, Countdown and Mitre 10.
ALDEN WILLIAMS/STUFF
Vicki-Anne Parker runs charity NZ Gifts of Love & Strength from the former site of Central New Brighton School, but has to find a new premises soon as the site has been sold for housing.
A Christchurch charity founded the day after the March 15 terror attack may close if it cannot find a new home. Vicki-Anne Parker – founder of NZ Gifts of Love & Strength, which was established on March 16, 2019 – says the group’s future is in doubt because the land where it is based is about to be sold. Parker and a small team of volunteers provide care packages to victims of recent severe traumatic events and welcome packages to refugee families arriving into Christchurch.