Annabelle’s gift of giving

JULIA WADE

A delightful young Mangawhai resident embodied the true meaning of Christmas during the recent festive season, her selfless big-hearted act no doubt bringing many smiles of joy to children who otherwise may have gone without.

Local lass, six-year-old Annabelle Bray, generously decided to gift all the birthday presents she received to Te Whai’s Christmas Aroha Baskets.

Although officially the young philanthropist’s birthday is on January 1, she celebrated earlier this year with a party at Mangwhai Activity Zone, with all presents received from her friends and family going in a basket to be gifted on.

Annabelle’s mum, Sustainable Kaipara director Sarah Bray, says she was interested to see if her daughter would be able to go through with her idea.

“I wondered if Annabelle would actually find it hard to give the gifts away once she saw them on the day, but she got the bigger picture and was so busy enjoying her friends, she wasn’t bothered.”

Annabelle herself admits to wanting to keep the presents.

“But it felt more important to give to children that might not get any,” she says. “I feel like smiling when I imagine the children getting a gift because of my birthday.”

An angel in disguise…

Annabelle Bray enjoys time with friends at her birthday celebration. PHOTO/SUPPLIED