Media release
28 November 2013

MOTAT Visitors Set to Bring Christmas Joy to Those in Need

Bringing a smile to the faces of more than 6,000 Kiwis this Christmas is behind MOTAT’s annual charity initiative, ‘Give and You Shall Receive’, now in its eighth year.

This year, MOTAT has teamed up with two local charities, Variety - The Children’s Charity and the Auckland City Mission, for its popular charitable programme. Starting on December 1 and running right up to Christmas Eve, Give and You Shall Receive gives MOTAT visitors the choice of purchasing a present from the gift shop instead of paying the usual admission fee.

Last year Give and You Shall Receive donated more than 6,000 gifts to Barnados and the Auckland City Mission, which hands out around 20,000 presents at Christmas time. MOTAT is hoping to donate even more this festive season.

MOTAT Museum Director Michael Frawley says, “It’s a hard time of year for children and families who don’t get to experience the simple pleasures of unwrapping Christmas presents. We want to support Aucklanders and continue bringing joy to those underprivileged families with the help of our generous visitors.”

On December 12 and 13, the first Santa’s sack of presents will be delivered by Variety to schools that Variety supports, through its Kiwi Kid sponsorship programme. In keeping with MOTAT’s transport tradition, the first of the gifts will be delivered to Tamaki Primary School in a Dodge Fire Engine accompanied by MOTAT and Variety ambassador, Kiwi actor, Shane Cortese.

Variety - The Children’s Charity CEO Lorraine Taylor says, “MOTAT coming on-board with Variety and helping the community give back is something we are hugely grateful for. Receiving a gift at Christmas is exciting for all kids but especially to those who usually go without. A gift tells them they’re special and can really boost a child’s self-esteem.”

In addition to its gift-giving initiative, MOTAT invites all families to join in the Christmas spirit, by putting on a family-friendly Christmas event for everyone to enjoy.

MOTAT Nights, Christmas Lights is a magical event that takes three days to set up with the installation of more than 6,500 fairy lights and a large decorated Christmas tree. Entry to the spectacular event is by $2 donation which also goes towards buying more gifts for charity.

MOTAT Marketing and PR Manager Danielle Dunn says, “Last year we had almost 8,000 people come to see our fabulous lights and we’re hoping for even more this year.”

With entertainment, night-time tram rides and Christmas displays, MOTAT Nights, Christmas Lights takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 13 December to 24 December, including 23 December and Christmas Eve. On Sunday 22 December, the Variety Voices choir will also play to really add to the Christmas spirit.

Led by professional musician and composer James Doy, Variety Voices is a talented group of 30 singers aged from seven to 18 who often sing for charitable causes.

Auckland City Mission say they are thankful to MOTAT’s caring visitors for bringing alive the spirit of Christmas. Diane Robertson, Auckland City Missioner says, “Thousands of people turn to the City Mission for help and support over the Christmas period. Last year the look of delight on so many faces when we shared the gifts from MOTAT was priceless.”

ENDS

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