What we accept
Our whai ora/clients often face challenging circumstances, including needing to leave their homes quickly with minimal belongings, and experiencing financial hardship or abuse. We are incredibly thankful for the community's willingness to donate goods to support them. We accept the following.
Brand new items:
- Non-perishable food products
- Care packs or treats to go in care packs – e.g. chocolate, sweets, hot chocolate sachets, calming teas (must be sealed)
- Toiletries, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toiletries for men, and pampering items which can be used as gifts
- Nappies
- Sanitary products
- Self-soothing items – e.g. anti-stress colouring books, packs of colouring pens and pencils, stress balls and/or fidget toys
- Toys and books for children 5+
Second hand:
- Smartphones, 8GB or above
- nice women's clothing (need varies so please contact our team first)
Vouchers:
- Warehouse, Kmart, or mall vouchers
- Supermarket vouchers
- Petrol vouchers
- Phone top ups
What we cannot accept
Due to our limited storage, client sensitivities, and staff capacity for sorting, testing, and distributing items, we do not accept the following.
- Furniture
- Whiteware
- Baby items such as second-hand wooden cots, walkers or car seats
- Second hand bedding
- Second hand household items (kitchenware, cutlery, etc.)
- Second hand electrical items (unless tagged and tested by a professional)
- Perishable food items
- Damaged, expired or opened goods
- Pills of any kind (including vitamins and supplements)
- Lighters, cigarettes or alcohol
- Second hand soft toys
- Toy weapons such as nerf guns, water pistols, or lightsabres
Where can I donate my items instead?
We still have need for many of the above items. Aviva works collaboratively with other social service organisations to provide many essentials to clients / whai ora. By donating your goods to the following organisations, you are still supporting Aviva clients.
- Christchurch Aunties – household goods, furniture, toiletries for women and children (no clothing)
- Salvation Army – clothing, household goods, furniture
- City Mission – clothing, household goods, furniture
- Hoon Hay Food Bank - clothing, household goods, toys, etc.
- PIPS - baby items
- It Takes a Village – baby and toddler clothes and items
- Clothed in Love – preloved or new children’s clothing, premature to 16
- Dress for Success – professional women’s clothing
- Curtain Bank through Community Energy Action – curtains
- Blanket Bank through Christchurch Methodist Mission – blankets and bedding
I want to donate care packages
Many organisations want to put together care packages for whai ora. We love to receive these, but may face storage issues. Please inform us of your intentions at ✉community@aviva.org.nz to ensure we have space available.
We separate our care packs into SV care packs for those undergoing examinations following an assault, and FV care packs for those who need to leave their homes suddenly.
What to put in SV care packages:
- Plain or gently patterned wool/fleece blankets
- Travel size toiletries suitable for women - body wash, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner (recommended brands Ethique, OGX, TRESemme, Natio, Antipodes)
- Travel size toiletries suitable for men
- Treats – e.g. chocolate, sweets, hot chocolate sachets, calming teas (must be sealed)
- Self-soothing items – e.g. anti-stress adult colouring books, packs of colouring pens and pencils, stress balls and/or fidget toys
What to put in FV care packages:
- Reusable bags to hold everything (preferably drawstring or zipper)
- General toiletries, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant
- Pampering items – e.g. lotions, face masks, etc.
- Treats or self-soothing items
- Packages for men (in gender neutral bags)
What to skip or include separately:
- Sanitary products (we store these separately and include them as needed)
- Makeup, nail polish or jewellery (these tend to be very personal, so we prefer to leave them out for whai ora to choose themselves)
- Colouring crayons for children
Contact Aviva
If you have any questions, email ✉community@aviva.org.nz or call ✆0800 28 48 26.