Angel Tree

He Korowai Whakapono manages Angel Tree - a programme of Prison Fellowship International and the largest international Christmas programme that reaches out exclusively to children who have a parent in prison. It was founded by the late Mary Kay Beard who while serving a prison sentence watched women gift wrap soap, shampoo and toothpaste to give to their children as Christmas presents.

On Christmas Day, thousands of children in Aotearoa (NZ) will open a present from their mum or dad who is not there – they are in prison. This programme creates a centre of hope that protects the bond between these parents and their children and reinforces to the children that they are loved and remembered, not forgotten. If not for this programme, these children who often experience a similar sense of shame, judgement and stigma (for a crime they did not commit) would miss out.

In Aotearoa, Angel Tree is a waharoa – a gateway of hope for whanau (families), where people can begin to heal and rediscover their identity, sense of belonging and life purpose; unlocking their potential for a brighter future.

Weave a legacy with us and be part of the generation that helps to lead children away from the pipeline to prison, and towards a pathway of healing and restoration.