Rānui House in Christchurch has put together a special Boxing Day spread for the families of loved ones who had to spend Christmas away from home this year.
Run by the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust, the ‘home away from home’ has 21 families staying over the holiday period.
For the ninth year in a row, housekeeper Julie-Anne Hansen came in on her day off to help prepare the spread for whānau so they could celebrate, despite the stress and heartache.
“It’s who I am, it’s what I do, and I don’t think there’s anything special about it. I wish there were more people who did it in the world,” she told 1News.
During a torrential downpour, a team of volunteers got to work barbecuing a feast for hungry whānau.
“This is a small way to help them out and give them a good, nice Christmas meal is something that brings us joy as well,” volunteer Ranjith Rangarajan said.
Among those getting ready to feast was Greymouth couple Rob and Tania Watson.
The pair have been staying at Rānui House for five months and counting while Rob Watson receives bone marrow stem cell treatment.
“It’s all clinical, it’s all doom and gloom, it’s pretty rat s**t. It’s a hard journey but coming back to Rānui House just to get away, it’s just brilliant – best thing ever,” he said.
Tania Watson said moving for her husband’s treatment had been stressful, so having lunch with the other families was a much-needed reprieve
“Where Rānui House is concerned, it’s very, very humbling,” she said. “They’re beautiful, aren’t they? Absolutely beautiful people.”
Another family had to rush to Christchurch from Queenstown after their 23-year-old survived a five-storey fall.
“Just having this little moment of a homely feel while we’re in a delicate situation, it’s something we do need,” mum Carla McMaster said.
Her partner, Simon Panell, was in awe of the generosity and kindness they experienced today.
“Putting a barbecue on your day off, not getting paid – who are these people? How do they get themselves to be the way that they are?” he said.
Rob Watson added: “For us, it’s been a real home – it really has.”