Overwhelming outcome with Winter Drive team, Alana Baker and Whitianga Social Services.

“The annual Winter Drive for families in need within the Mercury Bay community has received heart warming support,” says organiser Alana Baker of Bayleys Real Estate, Whitianga. In total, the drive received 32 brand new children's jackets and 60 brand new children’s gum boots. On top of the gum boots and jackets, Bayleys Real Estate, Whitianga has donated a further 41 brand new blankets to supplement these winter packs.

Families who can benefit from some extra help this winter, receive these packs. A family can self-refer or be referred from Whitianga Social Services(WSS) or the Mercury Bay Area School. Almost all of the packs have been distributed through Whitianga Social Services. This teaming up by Alana with Whitianga Social Services means that a family receives the extra wrap-around support and resources that make such a significant positive difference for the household. WSS representative, Stacey Gaskell said, “Families in need of these packs have provided information, including children's clothing and gumboots size, so we can ensure the best result in allocating clothing and gumboots. We also include a food pack to help ease the extra financial strain through winter. The food pack includes meat, fresh and frozen vegetables, milk, dairy spread and varied pantry staples plus toiletries, if needed. In addition, we ask clients to select what would be helpful from the following: umbrellas, heaters, warm socks, and hot water bottles.”

Alana is proud of the Mercury Bay community coming together to given such a practical way and looks forward to working alongside Whitianga Social Services in 2023 for the next Winter Drive.

Pictured: L to R Shaun Patterson, Alana Baker and Stacey Gaskell with the generously donated items for the Winter Drive packs.