We all know that Merge Café has long served as a refuge for those seeking connection and a hot meal.

Late last year as we neared the Christmas break, the peer support team at Merge grew increasingly concerned about the impact of the café’s closure on whānau, many of whom rely on us for food. The impending holiday closure created a pressing need for alternative food sources, especially when we realised that we weren’t the only organisation scaling back services during this time. In response, our team quickly sprang into action, reaching out for donations and contacting local food banks, meal providers, and churches to highlight what we saw as a critical gap, which put the homeless at even greater risk over the festive season.

Holiday Food Support: A Generous Gift from E3 Church

Thanks to these efforts, we were fortunate to receive a generous donation from E3 Church, who provided food donations from New World, giving us the opportunity to get the supplies that were needed. Over the two weeks Merge Café was closed, we distributed countless cups of hot noodles and muesli bars. On Christmas Eve, the remaining food bags were given out by our outreach teams. We are deeply grateful to E3 Church for their incredible generosity and ongoing partnership.

The Gift of Freedom in Mobility from AT Transport

Merge Café’s peer support team works closely with the homeless community across Auckland, offering guidance and connecting individuals to services that support their wellbeing. A recurring challenge we have encountered is transportation—many of the whānau we support depend on us to get them to crucial appointments. 

Given the size of our team, this is often difficult to manage. However, we have previously been fortunate enough to receive donations of HOP cards from AT Transport, and once again, our team reached out to highlight the transportation struggles faced by those we serve. 

Our request was met with a positive response, and within just a few days, we were gifted 50 HOP cards, each pre-loaded with $10. This donation was warmly received by both Merge staff and the whānau, enabling them to attend appointments and groups independently, without needing assistance from our support team.

The quick thinking and action of the Merge peer support team brought about what we can call nothing short of a miracle. Faced with the challenge of our holiday closure, which would leave many whānau without food and support, we were able to swiftly mobilise and reach out to local organisations and individuals for help. 

Thanks to the generosity of E3 Church and AT Transport, we ensured that our community didn’t go without during this critical time. These acts of kindness are a reminder that, when we come together, we can create change and provide essential support even in the most difficult circumstances. As we look ahead to the new year, Merge Café and Community remains committed to being a refuge and support system for all who need it.

If you wish to donate to Merge and support our cause, click the button below. Ngā mihi nui!