Paeroa’s pigeons will be flitting around town again this Christmas, with the Pigeon Post popping up for its second season.
Between November 24 and December 13, members of the public can drop into the Pigeon Post at 64A Belmont St, with a Christmas card or letter for someone within Paeroa township.
For a gold coin donation, the cards will be stamped with the Post’s special seal and hand-delivered to the recipient’s letter box.
“Remember how lovely it was receiving a Christmas card in the post?” organiser Jenny Wilson said.
“We wanted to bring that back.”
Last year, they delivered around 300 cards, volunteer Sybil Woolmore said.
“People were so excited to get a Pigeon Post card,” she said.
“We had cards for St John, and the fire brigade, and the doctors, and for a lot of businesses [from] people that appreciated what they’ve done through the year.”
This year, the Pigeon Post crew are also offering Christmas-themed craft workshops for adults – making wreaths, paper angels, and round tree decorations.
The workshops will be run by Susie Jones.
The Pigeon Post was a real collaborative, community effort, Jenny said – local business owners Linley Rose and John Eaglen are lending the group a shopfront, the Hauraki Reuse Centre has donated craft supplies, and there are nearly a dozen “pigeons” waiting in the wings to tackle delivery.
Local schools and early education centres are also encouraged to bring in groups to write and send some cards.
“It is a community postal service which encourages people to connect through sending Christmas cards,” Jenny said.
“It’s a good chance to say something nice.”
Santa also plans to visit the Pigeon Post headquarters to hear children’s Christmas wishes on November 27, 29 and December 3, 4, 6, 10, 11.
Santa’s visiting times will be posted on their Facebook page closer to the date.
DETAILS: Paeroa Pigeon Post runs November 24 to December 13 at 64A Belmont St. Gold coin donation to send cards within Paeroa township only – no rural addresses. See Paeroa Pigeon Post on Facebook for more information on Santa’s visits and workshop times and dates.
