With many Christmas celebrations cancelled, Vodafone Business is partnering with Christchurch City Mission to bring extra magical festive cheer to Cantabrians this year with an interactive experience next to the iconic City Mission Christmas Tree at Riverside.
As an extension of their commitment to supporting Aotearoa’s communities and helping small businesses thrive, Vodafone Business is helping deliver joy to those in the community who need a bit of light relief this season in a safe way.
From Saturday 4 December, two free giant interactive photo booths will open outside Riverside Market on Oxford Terrace, perfect for whānau and friends looking to get into the festive spirit. Providing a photo opportunity like no other, the public are invited to step inside two magical scenes housed within two larger than life Christmas presents.
With close ties to the local community, Vodafone Business recognised the need for a moment of joy and to help bring people into the city this Christmas, as Lindsay Zwart, Chief Enterprise Officer at Vodafone explains;
‘’Vodafone Business is thrilled to be sponsoring the Christchurch City Mission this year as a principal partner. We feel that successful regional commerce in New Zealand is critical to our nation’s ongoing recovery from the challenges of the last two years. This event gives us a moment to pause and enjoy the special moments of the holidays. Vodafone Business believes Cantabrians will love our festive magic photo experience.
“By attracting families and friends to the CBD, we hope we can also add support to local retailers and hospitality outlets at this crucial time. We’ve been helping our team to Pay it Forward by gifting $100 to support SMEs, and this is another way we can help local businesses to navigate the tough times and hopefully stimulate trade.”
The free festive pop-up, which will run right up to Christmas Eve, features two scenes that provide the ultimate photo backdrop. Step out of the summer sunshine and enter a twinkling winter wonderland complete with Christmassy creatures nestled amongst snow-dusted pine trees, and a red and gold sleigh that the whole family can jump aboard. The second scene allows the public to make themselves the gift under the tree among beautifully wrapped larger than life Christmas gifts, an oversized fireplace laden with stockings, and candy cane striped wallpaper.
Designed to create memories to be cherished, professional photographers will be on hand to capture the best snaps ready to be shared and enjoyed digitally, powered by Vodafone Business technology, with a free keepsake printout to take home.
Rachel Scott, Business Manager at Christchurch City Mission, says, “We’re thrilled to have the support of Vodafone Business this Christmas, enabling us to continue delivering hope and joy to the Christchurch community. With so many of the seasonal festivities not proceeding this year, having the festive photo pop-up sit alongside our tree at Riverside will ensure all Cantabrians can have a magical Christmas experience to remember.”
Visit Riverside from Saturday 4 December to experience the festivities first-hand.
The pop-up has been designed with Covid-19 health and safety considerations in mind, with attendees asked to check-in before entering the activation and show their vaccine passport. The photo displays are set-up so that it’s easy for bubbles to follow social distancing guidelines, keeping two metres apart.
For more information about Vodafone Business, please visit vodafone.co.nz/business/