Every December, brightly wrapped gifts and shared meals mark a season of celebration. But for many West Auckland families, Christmas comes with tough choices: power bill or presents, groceries or rent.
Give a Kid a Blanket (GaKaB) is determined to make a difference. The charity began in 2015 by providing blankets and bedding to families living in cold, damp homes. Today, their support extends much further. Co-founder and Director Bernie Harfleet says the mission remains simple: ‘We aim to bring kindness, dignity, and tangible relief to local families struggling with poverty and hardship.’
Alongside warm bedding, GaKaB now supplies clothing, portable cots, Moses baskets, toiletries, toys, food, and cleaning essentials, even monthly potluck community kai events that help ease pressure and build connection. More than 19,000 people received support from the organisation last year. This year’s Christmas appeal, Operation Kindness, is already underway. Families are referred by the Police, Family Action, Public Health teams, community nurses, and maternal mental health services. Each receives a festive package of kai, toiletries, cleaning products, and gifts, a reminder that the community cares. ‘Last year, hundreds of people who wouldn’t otherwise have been able to celebrate Christmas got to do just that thanks to collective aroha,’ says Bernie. ‘We’re hoping to reach even more this year.’
Coordinating the efforts of more than 100 volunteers including members of The Trusts team, who contributed over 23,000 hours in the past year, is no small task. A recent $20,000 grant from the Your West Support Fund has helped GaKaB appoint a part-time Assistant Operations Coordinator to keep everything running smoothly. ‘The additional support has made a big difference,’ Bernie says. ‘It means our resources are better managed, and we can reach more families while creating lasting, positive impact.’
As Operation Kindness ramps up, the charity is encouraging locals to get involved through sponsorship and donations.
Find out more on GaKaB’s Website, Facebook or Instagram pages and join the growing community of kindness, bringing comfort and joy to whānau across West Auckland.
