New Zealand - 70 elders attend Annual Christmas Celebrations organised by our Young Adults

70 elders from various parts of Auckland in New Zealand including Howick, Dannemora, Otara, Pakuranga, Bucklands Beach, Glen Innes and Panmure attended our Annual Christmas Celebrations at SAI Aroha, our Sai Centre in Howick Pakuranga. The Christmas program was organised by our young adults and supported by our adults. The elders who attended were from different ethnic backgrounds including Māori, Pacific Islands, Pakeha, Indian, South Africans and Sri Lankan.

While New Zealand is a developed and prosperous country, many members of our society are not so fortunate. This includes many of our elderly-whānau

(family) who struggle with loneliness everyday. This program was organised to spread

aroha (love) and provide the elders in our community with reassurance that

they are not alone and are supported.

The Christmas program was organised by Young Adults and started with a welcome talk and the chanting of universal prayers. The elders also had the opportunity to do some simple Yoga Exercise which spread love and positive energy. The Young Adults team then performed a skit to educate our elders on how to protect themselves from scammers and empowered them with practical tools and tips.

Elders eagerly participating in the Christmas program

Delicious snacks prepared beforehand were then served while a live band

consisting of keyboard, drums and singers sang popular Christmas Carols along.

The elders also joined in whilst enjoying the musical vibration created.

Finally Santa Claus arrived, bringing joy and lots of presents. The elders really enjoyed their gifts and took commemorative photos with Santa.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks and the elders happily

departed with big smiles and hearts full of gratitude.

We thank Swami for this divine opportunity and all our young adults and members for their generous time in organising and supporting the program.