A group of “pigeons” is spreading messages of Christmas cheer in Paeroa with a Christmas card delivery service.
Until December 9, members of the public can head to Paeroa Pigeon Post on Belmont Rd with their Christmas cards, and post them in the mailbox for a gold coin donation. The cards will be marked with a special stamp and hand-delivered to addresses within Paeroa township.
People can bring their own cards, or purchase one at the Pigeon Post.
Volunteer Jenny Wilson came up with the idea just a few weeks ago as a way to bring the community together during the festive season. She found a group of helpers, and they whipped up a Christmas display and some posters promoting the project. The community was quick to get behind the project too, with Richardsons Real Estate lending its shopfront on the main street, and Valley Signs making posters and a street sign. The mailbox was built by the Menz Shed, and painted by local artist Linda Bigge.
Jenny hoped people would use the initiative to extend their Christmas celebrations beyond just their immediate circle.
“We’re encouraging people to send obviously to family and friends and neighbours, but also to the person that’s given them a lovely coffee every week, [or] the person that’s got a lovely garden that you drive past every day,” she said.
“We’re hoping schools are going to come too. And if we’ve got an address, we don’t need a name, we’ll just deliver it to that person.”
And for those who wanted to send a card but didn’t know anyone locally, the Postmaster also had a list of names on hand, Jenny said, for residents at the nearby Ohinemuri Rest Home.
Jenny said people were welcome to post as many cards as they liked for their gold coin. She said they planned to offer any funds raised to a local community organisation.
“We want people to send heaps of cards – I’m happy for a last-minute rush.”
The Paeroa Pigeon Post is also acting as a drop-off site for the Baptist Church’s Toy Appeal where unwrapped gifts, wrapping paper and tape can be handed in until December 9.
Once the Post closes, the mailbox will be handed over to a group of volunteers dubbed the “pigeons”, who will be delivering the cards around Paeroa in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
“Basically it’s connecting the community, making people feel good.”
DETAILS: Paeroa Pigeon Post, 52 Belmont Rd. Open Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm; and Sat 10am-12pm until December 9. Gold coin donation, addresses within Paeroa township only.
