The Auckland City Mission played Santa at Auckland's Spark Arena on Tuesday afternoon as around 1500 people took part in its Christmas lunch.
It was a family affair, with grandchildren and grandparents alike happy to enjoy the special day.
There were crackers, carols - and most importantly no shame. The inclusive, joyful atmosphere was all part of the Mission's work to change the stigma around asking for help this Christmas.
"We cannot judge until you know the story. And the stories are often stories of great trauma," says City Missioner Chris Farrelly.
"We've been able to let people experience themselves as human beings more than as victims of something this Christmas."
The Mission has received double the demand for all of its services this season. Mr Farrelly says it has been overwhelming - but it wasn't today.
"I don't go home at night feeling good, I go home most nights feeling this should not be," he says.
"Tonight I'm going to go home feeling really good."
Newshub.
