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Nadia Shujai’s Christmas will be very different than I thought it would be.
And all of this was thanks to Wellington City Mission, he says.
On Christmas Eve, Wellington City Mission staff stopped by her home in Kilbirnie to drop off baskets full of food and gifts for Shujai and her two sons, Michael and Immanuel.
Shujai’s family has ties to the Wellington City mission: His mother used their walk-in services and Shujai herself has relied on them during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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As Wellington City Missionary Murray Edridge walked in and out of the front door with basket after basket, Shujai said the whole experience was unreal.
“I did not expect any of this at all, this is so special,” Shujai said.
“This is epic.”
The Wellington City Mission had supported her family with not only food but also moral support throughout the year.
Ross Giblin / Stuff
Nadia Shujai and her two sons, Michael, 3, and Immanuel, 2, were surprised this morning with several Christmas baskets delivered by Wellington City Missionary Murray Edridge.
“I broke my neck four weeks ago, so Christmas seemed a little pessimistic … It didn’t have the same strength, but Wellington City Mission has blessed us.”
Shujai said Wellington City Mission helped make Christmas possible with toys, groceries and other gifts.
It also meant that Shujai could afford it, by being able to give gifts to other people.
As his children played with their new toys, Shujai shared his favorite quote: “People learning at home, standing in the marae, standing up.”
This means that a person educated in the community contributes strongly to society.
Having the support of the city mission and her church family encouraged her to give back to the country. It has also led her to aspire to become a police officer.
“We are very fortunate to live in Aotearoa and saving lives is my goal.”
Ross Giblin / Stuff
Nadia Shujai says she did not expect to receive so many gifts on Thursday morning and said the experience was special.
Edridge said this time of year was difficult for many people.
“This is an opportunity to improve people’s experiences,” Edridge said.
Edridge hoped that the baskets could add fun, joy and hope to people and also help people to be optimistic for the future.
Wellington City Mission will deliver more than 100 baskets throughout the Wellington region on Christmas Eve.
