Bella is 10 and lives in Northland with her mum, two brothers and two sisters. Like so many families struggling with the rising cost of living, there’s rarely enough money for more than the basics. Her mums says they are rich in love, and that a person’s character holds more value than mere things.
Her mum works hard to put food on the table, but come Christmas, there’s nothing left for anything special.
At school, Bella feels embarrassed when she can’t bring a shared lunch. She knows her mum is doing everything she can, but that doesn’t make it any easier when other children notice.
At Christmas, there’s just a few cents to celebrate with. This year, Bella and her siblings are making Christmas presents for each other. Bella is making a book for her little brother, and she’s excited that her mum has promised she can choose some 49-cent wrapping paper to make it extra special.
There’ll be no shortage of love around Bella’s Christmas table this year, but she wishes there could be something special on it for dinner, too.
For children like Bella, a special Christmas dinner shouldn't be out of reach.
Through Variety's Christmas Appeal, your donation can help provide much-needed food support to Kiwi children and their families, bringing a little extra joy to the Christmas table.
Donate now at varietychristmas.org.nz.
