Christmas isn’t festive cheer and goodwill for all. Some people will spend it alone and some won’t be able to afford to give presents to their children. This is why group of local businesses have leapt aboard FamilyTV ’s Christmas Charity Shop initiative.

Christmas Charity Shop is a FamilyTV / Alpha Media production that is completely unique with a charitable function. The half-hour long show is presented by intrepid shopper, Kathy Peters, who provides an high-octane lineup of interviews with local retailers to showcase what they have to offer in store and provide special dates for the Christmas season. Kathy will also spend time chatting with shoppers to find out what they’re buying and doing for Christmas – look out for her in Matamata!

All of the participating retailers now have large red, white and blue striped bags instore and are encouraging shoppers to donate to the Christmas Charity Shop project by dropping a wrapped present into them (see below which businesses are involved). The gifts will then be distributed by the Salvation Army to many worthwhile local projects, organisations and people that most require and deserve the assistance.

Salvation Army’s Matamata Captain, Lyn Beets, hopes that there will be gifts for children and adults alike.
“It would be nice to get some personal gifts whether that be shaving cream or T-Shirts for men and craft things or perfume for women - things that they wouldn’t normally buy for themselves.”

Lyn says she’s “thrilled” that FamilyTV has organised the venture and hopes it will be on-going.
“I think it’s a wonderful initiative and the community in and around Matamata are wonderful in the support they give to these things,” she says.

Show Times: December 4th – 23rd on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11am, 4.30pm and 9pm and Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11am, 4.30pm and 7.30pm.

Donation bags can be found at:
FTN, Pictuir Perfect, Mitre 10, Sports World, Matamata Refridgeration, New World, Paper Plus, Dick Smith, Envisage, Bees and Buttercups, Challenge, Colour Plus, Espresso, Ag Works, Health Club.
Tip: Place a sticker on the wrapping and write on this who the gift is suitable for e.g. man, woman , boy or girl.

For more information on Christmas Charity Shop please call FamilyTV Executive Producer Paul Fawcett on 07 888 5030 ext 812.