Christmas Assistance Program Success

The Christmas Assistance Program went ahead in December with great result! We had 670 families attend on the two days of distribution, who needed help to make ends meet over the Christmas period.

Assistance was provided in the form of food vouchers, food packs, and gifts for children aged 0 – 15. The gifts, food and financial donations that made this program possible were donated by individuals, businesses and community groups. All up 7228 gifts were distributed to 1,120 children! What an amazing result!

Of course, the distribution days could not have happened without our team of enthusiastic volunteers who helped over the four days of the program. On the first two days’ volunteers sorted toys into age categories, counted stock, and made up tables of presents for the families. They also sorted and packed food into special Christmas food packs.

Once everything was ready to go we opened the doors to the families. With a 51% increase in the number of families who needed assistance, there were a lot of people to come through! The volunteers helped parents select toys for their children, restocked toys, and helped pack down after a very long but heart-warming four days.

Thank you again to the generous donors who made this program possible – whether you supplied food, toys or financial donations it was all very much appreciated by the families and children who would not have had Christmas otherwise. Thank you to the volunteers who took part on the day. We look forward to brightening Christmas for families in need again next year!