Facebook group deeds an act of kindness

June 9, 2017

Facebook group deeds an act of kindness

The Auckland City Mission approves of the work of a New Plymouth-based Facebook group. Photo: Supplied / Auckland City Mission

A New Plymouth-based Facebook group is grabbing attention with its easy-to-use platform helping those in need.

The Facebook page ‘Kai & Aroha’ allows people to offer up or appeal for necessities.

Group members often ask for a hot meal for their family, baby clothes, or more blankets to stock up for winter.

The post can be made either by the person in need, or the owner of the page, Karen Lee Lende, will post on their behalf if they are too embarrassed to post themselves.

Lee Lende created Kai & Aroha last year, while studying social work. She had heard through her studies about people lacking in simple items such as warm clothes, and decided she would reach out to her community in a wider way.

The page has nearly 1000 members, with many simply offering donations of items, which has enabled Lee Lende to build up a stock of provisions.

“I’ve been able to reach a gap in the community, with some people too afraid to go to the food bank and [who] have exhausted all resources, this page is somewhere to look for help.”

Te Waha Nui asked the Auckland City Mission if a page like this would be helpful in Auckland, in order to tackle the city’s growing population of people who do not have a home, or essentials.

Auckland City Mission representative Mackenzie Koppel thought it was a lovely concept, and said the only reason they don’t deliver meals to people on the street is because this prevents them from actually receiving more in-depth support.

“That being said, having friendly members of the community show you compassion and support is never a bad thing when you are experiencing homelessness, and this initiative would no doubt offer some positive contact between rough sleepers and the wider community.”

The Auckland City Mission’s main goal and first priority is to get people into permanent housing, but their drop-in service is similar to that of Kai & Aroha’s.

Salvation Army representative Robin Raymond commented it was “nice to know people were coming up with innovative solutions”.

Related Stories

Relief on the horizon for frustrated ferry users

Relief on the horizon for frustrated ferry users

Ryan Bos March 22, 2024

Frustration over Auckland Council’s plans to charge for park-and-ride

Frustration over Auckland Council’s plans to charge for park-and-ride

Tiana Thorpe March 20, 2024

Brazen knifepoint robbery of local dairy sparks outrage - and support

Brazen knifepoint robbery of local dairy sparks outrage - and support

JESSICA DOLPHIN April 1, 2022

Call for Gaza ceasefire boosted by Auckland's International Women's Day

Call for Gaza ceasefire boosted by Auckland's International Women's Day

Grace Symmans March 28, 2024

Rugby numbers continue to kick on

Rugby numbers continue to kick on

Matt Bullock March 26, 2024

Circus skills unite communities in East Auckland

Circus skills unite communities in East Auckland

Fravash Irani March 26, 2024