October 2025 Update: New Growth and Festive Plans

Our October 2025 update brings news of new growth and festive plans as spring settles into Marlborough. Our biggest development this month is securing a dedicated plot at the Blenheim Community Gardens. We spent the past two weekends getting stuck into the soil, turning over beds, clearing weeds, and preparing the ground for planting.

After the colder months, being back outside in the sunshine has been a welcome change. There is something satisfying about swapping winter layers for a bit of fresh air and a job in the garden. Clearing weeds might not sound like everyone's idea of a good weekend, but with spring finally here, we are certainly not complaining!

The plot also gives us something to look forward to beyond the next delivery round. For now, the work is mostly preparation, but it is lovely to think of those freshly turned beds becoming part of future food parcels. We are looking forward to seeing a little more green in the garden and, eventually, in the boxes.

Buying fresh produce at retail prices eats through charity funds quickly. Having our own garden plot changes things completely. It means our volunteers can pack genuine, nutrient-rich vegetables that were harvested only hours beforehand. For over-65s trying to stretch superannuation across high living costs, fresh greens are often the very first item dropped off the shopping list at the supermarket checkout.

Demand across Blenheim, Spring Creek, and Renwick has climbed steadily over recent weeks. We're seeing more people reach out as winter utility bills catch up with household accounts and pantry supplies run thin. Our team has reorganised the delivery runs to make sure every client receives a reliable weekly visit without delay. That doorstep check-in remains just as valuable as the groceries inside the boxes.

Planning is also underway for our December Christmas hampers. The holidays can be a quiet, difficult stretch for the many seniors living alone without nearby family. Alongside staple items like coffee and tea, rolled oats, and tinned goods, our Christmas boxes will include festive treats. This includes lots of sweet treats from Marlborough Mitre 10, who have been generously providing ElderLink with regular account credit to make purchases from their food and drink range. Cheers, Mitre 10 team!

The food will also be accompanied by sweet treats from Good Bitches Baking and Mitre 10 MEGA. A parcel can cover the practical essentials and still leave room for something to enjoy with a cuppa. We are grateful to both for helping us include those extras, which bring a little variety alongside the everyday groceries.

Christmas may still feel some way off, especially with spring only just finding its feet, but we are already thinking ahead. Planning the hampers now gives us time to consider the useful staples and the festive additions together. We would like each box to feel thoughtful, with food for the cupboard and a few treats to enjoy over the holidays.

To our donors, thank you for helping make all of this possible. Whether you contribute funds, food, baking, or support at a fundraising stall, you are part of what goes into these parcels. It is encouraging to head towards Christmas with that generosity behind us, and we appreciate every contribution.

A huge thank you to the volunteers who turned up to dig our garden bed, and to the Marlborough community for backing our fundraising stalls. You'll still find Kamrin and Aaron on Market Street through the week and at the Redwoodtown Market on occasional Saturdays. Every ticket you buy keeps our food boxes full and our delivery rounds moving.