Christmas at the Mission was absolutely wonderful and you, the community, showed once again that you cared. Before Christmas I was very worried, as donations of food for the Christmas dinner were not coming in the way we hoped they would. Once word about the shortage of food got out through the media this all changed and donations flooded in. The Christmas lunch was really great and we fed over 700 people.
My own family had the most wonderful holiday with all the children and grandchildren. We swam when weather allowed, read lots of books and played games, went for walks, talked a lot and had lovely things to eat. It was a joy to be together. I realized just how lucky we are. We have done nothing to have such good fortune and many others are not so fortunate. It seems to me that such good fortune carries with it an obligation and a responsibility to help others. My wonderful holiday has made me really aware of this.
Many of us take holidays for granted. They are what keep us going during the cold winter months or at times when we are feeling absolutely swamped by all the work that we have to do. A lot of people who come to the City Mission have never had a holiday and cannot organize or afford one. 19% of children in New Zealand are living in poverty. They cannot afford to do the things that the rest of us take for granted. Holidays may seem a small thing, a luxury. In New Zealand not having holidays leads to alienation and denies children a wonderful childhood experience with their families. Holidays may not be essential for keeping children alive but they are essential for feeding their souls. Do we want New Zealand children to just exist or do we want them to thrive?
I do not feel guilty about having a wonderful holiday and I work hard for it. Guilt is not a very productive emotion and can be somewhat self indulgent. However I think I do have to be aware of and do something for those who never get away to relax and enjoy their time with those they love.