During December each year the Rotary Club of Hutt City has “The Tree of Joy” at Westfield Queensgate Mall in central Hutt.
 

The Salvation Army, Birthright, and Women’s Refuge know children whose parents would struggle to provide their families a gift at this time of the year. Last year we were able to provide 1,700 presents to families in the Hutt Valley that struggle to make ends meet.

It is extremely humbling to be involved in this project. It is lovely to see busy shoppers take the time to stop and purchase a present for someone less fortunate than themselves. One couple who lost their son when he was 14 years old, arrive each year to place a present under the tree in remembrance to him. No-one else knows what they are doing, and they do it every year.