Every winter tamariki in foster care need warmth, and for another year, Ellerslie Leisure Centre's community showed up to help provide it. Foster Hope's annual Pyjama Drive has wrapped up for winter of 2026, with 155 new pyjamas collected and on their way to children who need them most. This also includes a few blankets and knitted items helping surpass last year's 139 pyjama donations – shoutout to this community for their generosity.

The drive means a lot at The Y as many of the tamariki who receive these donations have never had a brand-new pair of pyjamas of their very own. Every donation, whether summer or winter, goes directly to children entering care, providing something small but meaningful during what is often a difficult time.

Kaye from Foster Hope summed it up best: "A huge thank you from me and the children, they will be warm this winter due to your community's generosity and your organisation skills. It's such a pleasure to partner with you."

Thank you to everyone at Ellerslie Leisure Centre and beyond who donated, fundraised, or simply spread the word. This is exactly what community looks like. Last year Ellerslie came together to support Foster Hope's Christmas Gift drive. As they look to bring it back for 2026, check out their Facebook page for more information closer to the time.