21st of January, 2025
Another Christmas is done and dusted, and there's a collective sigh of relief as people everywhere return from holidays more refreshed and energised.
But before we tuck away all thoughts of Christmas with the boxes of tinsel and lights, we’d like to share how families in need were empowered by the kindness and generosity of everyone who supported us.
The outpouring of gifts, toys and food from the community was incredible. It allowed us to facilitate gifts and food hampers to over 700 whānau across Canterbury. It was a privilege to get them into the hands of families who, otherwise. would have no way of providing them.
The responses we received were heartfelt:
“Thank you so much for the lovely gifts for Christmas. I’m extremely grateful to everyone involved for their kind thoughts and the beautiful box of goodies. Please pass on my heartfelt gratitude, not just for this but also for being my pillar of support in this difficult time.” On behalf of the many whanau who received these gifts, thank you to everyone who gave so generously.
We all know family violence doesn’t stop just because it’s Christmas, nor does it take a holiday in January. It happens every day of the year across Aotearoa at an alarmingly high rate. And for one season of the year, Christmas – ironically the season to be jolly – many of us are drawn to give more generously to support women and children living with or recovering from family violence.
It’s a hard road to recovery – one you simply cannot go alone – that’s why Aviva exists – to walk alongside survivors of family violence to a better life, free from violence. It takes time, in fact, it takes what it takes to unpack the harsh reality of family violence and its long-term effects on both adults and children, but we’re there for whatever it takes.
Over the Christmas break, our 0800 Support Line (0800 28 48 26) was operated by dedicated kaimahi taking calls from those needing support and advice, because these things don’t wait.
Alex who has covered the Support Line over Christmas for eight years running notes:
“Callers over the Christmas break are often very distressed. They’ve been struggling to hold it together for their family, and when they finally reach out, their circumstances have escalated to the extreme.”
Our support line operates 24/7 365 days a year for just such calls.
We also know that demand for family violence support often spikes in January as financial pressures take their toll. Our specialist kaimahi (support workers) continue their mahi throughout the year through one-on-one support and group education programmes designed to assess and support safety, create change, and empower the well-being of everyone affected by violence.
There’s a new catchphrase doing the rounds on social media - “Time to Thrive in 2025”. Perhaps you’ve noticed it? Our take on it is that to truly ‘thrive in 2025’ we can only do so as a community - one that’s here to support those who, for a time, need help and support to get their life back on track. The community of employers, friends, family and whānau all play a vital part in supporting people affected by family violence.
If you’re in a position to help others and could consider becoming a regular donor to support the life-changing services we offer all year round, please do so. Together we can thrive – let’s start today. Donate to Aviva