An annual initiative to deliver presents around the Cook Islands over Christmas was launched late last month.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on June 21 between Bank of South Pacific (BSP) Cook Islands and the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the BSP Giving Tree.

BSP country head David Street said close to 700 presents are expected to be delivered to children in Rarotonga and the Pa Enua up to the age of 10-years-old.

Street said the BSP Giving Tree was a tradition that went back around 15-years.

Attending the signing was Street, Michelle Foster and Tia Nga from BSP and Moana Manuela from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

“Planning and preparation for the BSP Giving Tree starts well before Christmas particularly due to the logistical challenges of delivering all gifts to the Southern and Northern Group Islands,” Street said.

Last year over 640 gifts successfully made it into the hands of children across the 12 islands – Penrhyn, Manihiki, Rakahanga, Palmerston, Mauke, Atiu, Mitiaro, Mangaia, Aitutaki, Rarotonga, Pukapuka, and Nassau.