A Nelson charity giveaway for Christmas ended in pushing, shoving and fighting over gifts.

Helping Families hosted the event, which saw hundreds pouring through the door and stepping over each other to clear out the room in half an hour.

Helping Families founder Kristy Rowe the aggression was overwhelming for volunteers, who were subject to verbal abuse.

"We had positive comments, and we want to thank people for those. But as usual, it's the negative comments that stick a bit harder, especially for our volunteers." 

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