An initiative to put a smile on less fortunate Cook Islands children this Christmas is set to launch next week.

The Bank South Pacific (BSP) Cook Islands will be launching its successful BSP Giving Tree, an initiative to spread the message of giving, on Monday, October 2.

In lead up to the launch, a family fundraiser will be held at the Empire Cinema today, September 28. The fundraiser will feature PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, a 2023 Canadian computer-animated superhero comedy film based on the television series PAW Patrol created by Keith Chapman. Tickets are available now for pre-purchase at BSP.   

The annual BSP Giving Tree initiative sees the delivery of presents for children around the Cook Islands.

BSP country head David Street said the initiative run in partnership with Internal Affairs Cook Islands delivers up to 600 presents to less fortunate children in the Cook Islands.

This tradition has been going on for up to 20 years.

“BSP strives to ensure all presents are delivered to the children before Christmas, logistically is a challenge particularly for the Northern Group,” Street said.

In order to meet shipping schedules, Street said the gifts for Pukapuka, Nassau and Palmerston have already been collected and will be delivered to Cook Islands General Transport this week to meet September’s shipment.

BSP would like to thank the tag sponsors for these islands – Jonathan Cargill and Celebration on the Rock Church, The BSP Giving Tree 2023 committee and Tangata family.

The tags for the other islands will be made available to the general public at the launch of The BSP Giving Tree 2023 on Monday. BSP will decorate their Christmas Tree and deliver tags to tag partners for distribution.

The bank would like to thank Marekos, Air New Zealand, Matysik & Marshall PC, Pacific Resort Rarotonga, New Zealand High Commission, Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC), Federal Pacific Insurance, Prime Foods, Vonnias and Air Rarotonga for their partnership.

Meanwhile, store discounts are available for the purchase of gifts at Vonnias, CITC and Mareko.

BSP and Ministry of Internal Affairs would also like to thank the community for their continued support and generosity each year and once again looking forward to a very successful 2023 BSP Giving Tree.

“Let us put a smile on a child this Christmas.”