12 January 2012 - MOTAT VISITORS HELP FAMILIES IN NEED
MOTAT brought Christmas cheer to thousands of underprivileged Kiwi homes thanks to the generosity of the Museum's many visitors during the holiday period.
MOTAT visitors donated more than 6,600 gifts to families supported by the Auckland City Mission and Ronald McDonald House Auckland.
MOTAT Museum Director Jeremy Hubbard said that from the start of December until Christmas visitors were invited to purchase and donate a gift from MOTAT's gift shop instead of paying an admission fee. Gifts ranged from board games and books to toy cars and activity kits, promising families hours of Christmas fun.
Proceeds from the popular MOTAT Nights, Christmas Lights events also contributed to the gift donations to the charities.
"MOTAT believes that everyone should be able to celebrate Christmas no matter what their situation. We're absolutely thrilled we had the opportunity to make this a reality for so many families," said Mr Hubbard.
Auckland City Mission fundraiser James Holt said that the gifts and donations were very well received on Christmas Day.
"People were delighted that they were able to receive or give a loved one a present. Without this support, many families might have missed out on celebrating Christmas so it was wonderful to see the joyful spirit alive and kicking at the Auckland City Mission," said Mr Holt.
Ronald McDonald House Auckland CEO, Wayne Howett was also grateful to MOTAT and its visitors for being so thoughtful, given that Christmas is often a tough financial time.
"We had many families staying with us during Christmas so it was a relief for stressed parents who didn't have to go out and buy presents for their children," said Mr Howett.
This is the sixth year MOTAT has partnered with the community to raise gifts for those less fortunate at Christmas time. This year, the programme raised 1,786 more gifts than last year and monetary donations were up 70 percent.
For more information, photos, media passes or interviews please contact:
Duchesne Markham
Mango Communications
Phone: (09) 354 1365
Mobile: (021) 759 077
Email: duchesnem@thisismango.co.nz
