“Thank you so much for the Christmas dinner. I have no family and I haven’t had a Christmas meal like that before. It was really special.”

That message from Christina was among the many thanks Crossroads Marlborough received after hosting a community Christmas dinner, funded by Craigs Investment Partners’ Christmas Giving fund through the Top of The South Community Foundation.

Jeanine Sadd, Crossroads Co-Ordinator says the funding made the event hugely successful.  “We were blown away to receive this koha. Post Covid, donations to Crossroads Marlborough have dropped significantly along with kai that used to come in for the Christmas dinners. Thanks to Craigs we were able to be generous and make it a lovely occasion. On behalf of our trustees, volunteers, staff and the people we support, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

In early December 80 people enjoyed the Christmas dinner and a further 10, lunch next day, hosted at Crossroads Marlborough’s John’s Kitchen. 

“We also put together some frozen meals for future need and passed on much of the kai to another worthy organisation called Care Marlborough who offer a place to connect and support for whanau dealing with mental health. They were open over the holiday period and the kai was a huge help.”

The funding was also a confidence boost for Jeanine and Jake McLeish who runs the kitchen and Koha Café. “We had been in our roles for only a few months. This donation gave us more confidence to organise and prepare for our first Christmas dinner here.”

That the two events were enjoyed by guests is evident from the smiles captured in photos taken at the time, and the testimonials sent to thank the organisers.

Yvonne wrote the occasion was; “so really happy, calm and casual. The food was excellent and the volunteers smiling and unflappable. A great time was had by all. Thanks to the whole team who made it a success.”

Papa and Tama (aged seven) also enjoyed the dinner. “Thanks for letting us in at the last minute. Was a really good meal. Really appreciated everything.”

Lisa also appreciated the meal and the work of the volunteers. “I thought the Christmas dinner was an amazing event to be at. I saw the aroha put out by the people who put in the effort and hard work to help the people, families and children who attended. My heart and aroha to you all.”

Crossroads Marlborough, one of five community groups to receive Christmas Giving funds provides a place of manaakitanaga (respect) and belonging that is safe and a service where trust and rapport is built. “People know they will always receive nourishment through the kai provided at no cost or judgement, and through the meaningful connections made with each other here,” says Jeanine.

Crossroads has a Whanau centred approach and never turns anyone away. Through its facilities it provides a shower, washing machine and dryer and emergency food parcels to people during times of need. Jeanine says Crossroad Marlborough refuses to accept that people who are dealing with poverty will always be impoverished. “It is just a moment in their lives, it does not define them.”

The kitchen and Koha Café feed those dealing with food insecurity, isolation and loneliness. “The Urban Harvest we run passes on all kai donations to our community. Our venue is a welcoming space, and our staff and volunteers gladly support and build relationships with patrons, providing an integral part of the advocacy and pastoral care that Crossroads strives for every day.”

“We provide daily breakfast and lunches, a weekly Community Dinner; advocacy and listening.  Whanaunatanga (kinship) kai brings the people together, enabling connections to be made with fellow Marlborough residents.”

The other organisations to receive   Craigs Investment Partners’ Christmas Giving funds were Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (Nelson); Life Linc (Nelson Tasman); Second Chance Tasman (Nelson Tasman) and Black Dog Swim Home for I am Hope (Marlborough).