Honey, Heart and Hope: The Story of Bay of Islands Honey and Bald Angels

In the heart of Northland, a community effort is weaving generosity and kindness into the lives of families in need. Bay of Islands Honey, a local business, has partnered with Bald Angels Charitable Trust to support vulnerable families through a beautiful blend of sweet honey and heartfelt compassion. Here at Comag Agencies, we are honoured to be working with this charity, and through the support of an army of volunteers, they ensure that even in challenging times, families can experience a touch of joy and care, particularly during the festive season.

The Buzz Behind the Partnership

Bay of Islands Honey has long been known for its dedication to producing quality honey, reflecting the natural beauty and abundance of the Bay of Islands. Beyond their craft, the team at Bay of Islands Honey also understands the value of giving back. For several years, they have provided their honey for free to support Bald Angels, a grassroots charity committed to improving the lives of children and families in the region.

Each year, this partnership gains momentum thanks to the support of many partners. Comag Agencies donates jars and lids to house the honey for these families. Collectively they ensure that hundreds of families receive jars of golden sweetness. These jars of honey are much more than a treat, they symbolise the warmth of a community rallying together.

Packing Hope, One Jar at a Time

One of the most touching parts of this partnership happens behind the scenes, where volunteers gather to pack the honey into jars. A bustling hub of activity emerges during the lead-up to Christmas where volunteers work tirelessly to ensure each jar is filled, labelled, and ready to bring joy to its recipient.

It’s a meticulous process, but every step is infused with dedication and hope. The volunteers understand that these kai boxes aren’t just parcels of food; they’re lifelines for families facing hardship. Honey, as simple as it may seem, becomes a symbol of aspiration and care when packed alongside other essential and festive goodies.

The honey jars are later nestled into Christmas kai boxes, which include a mix of staples and treats to make the holiday season a little brighter. With the sweetness of the honey these boxes are a testament to the spirit of giving.Bald Angels’ Impact on Northland

Bald Angels Charitable Trust is at the heart of this story, and their work over the past year highlights the immense need and the difference they’re making in the community. Between July 2023 and June 2024, the charity has made extraordinary strides in supporting vulnerable children and families in Northland.

Here’s a snapshot of their impact:

• Warmth and Comfort: 9,773 parcels of warm clothes have been distributed to those in need.
• Tamariki Support: Over 2,018 tamariki (children) have received help, ensuring they have essentials and opportunities to thrive.
• Youth Engagement: 15 young people have been empowered through the Rainbow Rangitahi Club
• Community Hours: Volunteers have contributed an astounding 30,000 hours of their time to bring Bald Angels’ mission to life.
• Newborn Love: 71 hand-knitted Angel Sacks have been gifted to newborns, ensuring they begin life with warmth and love.
• Hospice Support: 7 families have received Angel Memory Treats, a small but significant gesture to families grieving the loss of a loved one.
• Seasonal Joy: 1,319 Christmas gifts were distributed to children, and 405 Christmas kai parcels were shared with families, ensuring everyone could experience the magic of the holidays.
• Blankets of Love: 896 blankets and quilts have been distributed to bring warmth during cold nights.
• Angel Bears: 850 children have been gifted cuddly Angel Bears, providing comfort and companionship.
• Opportunities for Youth: 48 cultural and adventure experiences were offered to children, broadening their horizons and sparking joy.
• Sports Access: Over 50 children received sports gear and memberships, encouraging healthy activity and participation in team environments.
• Community Connections: 22+ partnerships have been fostered, highlighting the collaborative effort required to create meaningful change.

These staggering numbers underscore the tireless dedication of Bald Angels and their supporters. But beyond the statistics, there’s an underlying message of hope, resilience, and the power of community.

A Jar of Honey, A Jar of Joy

For the families receiving the Christmas kai boxes, a jar of Bay of Islands Honey might seem like a small addition. Yet, its significance runs deep. It represents the collaborative effort of local businesses like Bay of Islands Honey and Comag Agencies, the dedication of volunteers, and the unyielding compassion of Bald Angels.

At its core, this partnership is about more than honey or kai boxes—it’s about nurturing a community. It’s about showing families in Northland that they are not alone, that they are seen and supported, and that even in hard times, sweetness and joy can be found.

Christmas and Beyond

While the honey jars play a starring role during the festive season, the relationship between Bay of Islands Honey and Bald Angels extends beyond December. The ethos of both organizations reflects a year-round commitment to improving lives, fostering community, and spreading kindness.

For Bay of Islands Honey, it’s not just about being a local business; it’s about being a cornerstone of the community. For Bald Angels, it’s about finding innovative and heartfelt ways to bring dignity and care to those who need it most.

As the 2024 holiday season approaches, the teams are already gearing up for another round of honey packing, kai box assembling, and community support. They know that each jar packed, each gift delivered, and each family supported contributes to something greater: a Northland where no one is left behind.

How You Can Help

The story of Bay of Islands Honey and Bald Angels is one of collaboration, but it’s also a reminder of the collective power of community. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, there are countless ways to get involved.

If you’re inspired by this story, consider reaching out to Bald Angels to see how you can support their mission. Check out their website at baldangels.org.nz

And the next time you drizzle honey on your toast or stir it into your tea, think of the volunteers and families who, through small acts of kindness, are creating waves of change in Northland. Together, with a little sweetness and a lot of heart, they’re building a stronger, more connected community.