Hard slog for Santa’s helpers

Press, 5 December 1985, Page 3

Hard slog for Santa’s helpers

In a hidden workshop in Shirley eight of Santa Claus’s helpers have been busy making wooden toys since Easter. Diligently chipping away every Sunday morning and Tuesday evening, the group of voluntary workers have made about 1000 hobby horses, trains, ships, and quoit sets for the City Mission to distribute to needy

families and children throughout Christchurch. In its eighth year of operation, “Santa Claus Workshop” provides the mission with its bulk of children’s Christmas toys. “We would be really stuck without them,” said the Rev. David Morrell. “They do a marvellous job, and all the toys are really sturdy and can take a lot of wear.”

The group of friends has no financial backing, and all the wood and materials used are given by various firms in Christchurch. Two years ago the group converted an old toilet block at the Shirley Community Centre into a workshop, and fitted it out with their own individual equipment. A lathe and planing machine were given to them.

“We do it as a hobby,” said one of the workers, Mr Gerry Hughes. “It started with recycling toys, but we thought we could make bet-ter-quality ones ourselves.” “It is enjoyable for us and is also a worthy pastime.” Mr Morrell said some of the toys would be given out at the mission’s Christmas dinner, and others would be Sto parents before tmas Day.