Kai, Comfort and Community: Winter Warmer 2025 Highlights
Near-zero temperatures, freezing rain, hail, and a biting Southerly—you couldn't have asked for a better day for our annual Winter Warmer!
A very frosty Dunedin morning didn’t stop the warmth and energy in the North East Valley Normal School Hall on Saturday 7 June, just as Otago woke up to the first snow dump of the season. The Valley Project’s Winter Warmer kicked off at 10am but the action started much earlier, with volunteers arriving at 8:30am to get everything set up for the day ahead.
Inside the hall's small kitchen, things were at full-tilt from minute-one thanks to Julie Broderick of Gardens New World! A row of slow cookers and trays were packed with hot soups and curries ready to feed the crowds. There was also delicious mashed potato, rice, garlic bread, and even cake, all donated and prepared with love—the curried sausage in particular were a much-loved Kiwi classic from my childhood. We can't go on without expressing our sincere gratitude to local legends Gardens New World and KiwiHarvest, as there was plenty of delicious food to go around.
The event wasn’t just about food, though. Trestle tables struggled under the weight of free clothing for all ages and sizes, carefully sorted by hard-working Valley Project volunteers and staff who had spent the whole day prior getting everything ready.
Before the doors opened, the team had a quick health and safety briefing before locals poured in at 10am. It didn’t take long for the space to fill with the smell of food and the sounds of laughter and conversation!
There were also information stalls from local support agencies offering help and advice on overall wellbeing over the winter months: The Dunedin Curtain Bank offered great practical solutions to keep the heat in; Otago Mental Health Support Trust were there to offer a friendly ear and mental health advocacy for winter woes; Aukaha offered advice and practical solutions on Healthy Homes; WellSouth offered free blood glucose checks; and the DCC Eco Design Advisor Service exhibited their hireable Home Energy Audit Toolkit. Presbyterian Support Otago was also on hand collecting donations for the Octacan food drive.
“I love these events,” said Christine from Hamburg, a local resident who’s passionately been a part of the community for years. “It’s great to catch up with people you’ve seen around but never really had a proper chat with.” The (now very warm) hall was filled with people from all walks of life; young families, elderly residents, students, and longtime locals, all enjoying the chance to connect.
Even those who couldn’t stay for long were sent off with takeaway containers full of leftovers. By close at 1pm, most guests had left and the kitchen crew were kept busy cleaning dishes and packing up meals to go.
There was a strong sense of community spirit left in the room as the doors closed and the last dishes were washed. The event had something for everyone, with free take-home potatoes and pumpkins, and firelighters donated by Gardens New World to help get the Valley's wood burners going.
Many thanks to everyone who donated clothing, linens, and curtains in the two weeks building up to the event. We are proud to report just a small stack of unclaimed goods remained which were later collected by Presbyterian Support Otago for their op-shop.
The Winter Warmer was more than just a good hearty meal; it was a reminder of the power of people coming together to support each other. There’s nothing better than good food, friendly faces, and a feeling of belonging!
