Birthday at Kairos

Olivia* and her children used to come to Kairos regularly. In recent months, Olivia felt that they had enough and did not really need to come to Kairos.

“I refuse to go if there isn’t the need,” Olivia explained. “Others can benefit from what we would be taking, and I would hate for another to miss out.”

Olivia tries to teach her kids to live simply, appreciate the difference between wants and needs and to share with their community. She and her whānau work together to buy second-hand from Trademe and opp shops to save both money and the environment. As young Maya* approached her 4th birthday, Olivia was surprised when Maya had a specific request for what she wanted for her birthday.

Maya wanted to go to Kairos.

“All she wanted to do was to go to Kairos. The atmosphere and harmony you guys bring to the community has brought about such comfort and aroha.”

For Maya, it’s not about the food. She chose only a box of Cruskits on the night to take to her preschool. What Maya loves is the warm atmosphere and the closeness of the community that Kairos strives to create.

“It was so warming,” Olivia said. “There was new whānau who had never been. The atmosphere is so warm, welcoming and inviting for all walks of life.”

“As a mum, it can become very isolating when you don’t find your safe space and community. Kairos provides that.”

The evening finished with cake with the family at home.

Olivia says that her kids only have warm memories of their times at Kairos — and she couldn’t be more proud. “I love that my children will grow up to be kind, calm, welcoming and caring adults, taking care of their own needs while also supporting their wider community. They know that money isn’t their whole life and what they have to give and offer others is always going to open doors to opportunity.”

Our team at Kairos hopes that Maya had an amazing birthday, and we’re so glad you chose us to help you celebrate!

*Names changed for privacy