Community
22 November, 2024
Plaza launches gift appeal
WHILE many children will be squealing with delight on Christmas day after discovering Santa had paid a visit, some will be going without.
But in the true spirit of Christmas, locals are being urged to buy an extra gift this year and help make the festive season that little bit brighter for those less fortunate.
Gateway Plaza has this week launched its Christmas Gift appeal in conjunction with MacKillop Family Services.
“We’re extremely excited to have teamed up with MacKillop to do what we can to make Christmas brighter for children this year,” centre manager Sarah Porter said.
“MacKillop Family Services does a wonderful job assisting families and others in need throughout the year and at Christmas time it’s especially nice that we all have the opportunity to put a smile on young faces.
“It’s as simple as heading to our Christmas tree in the Plaza, picking a tag, purchasing an age-appropriate gift and leaving that here with us at centre management.”
Tania Ferris, Victorian state manager of carer recruitment with MacKillop Family Service said the organisation was hoping to distribute more than 400 gifts to children across the district this Christmas and encouraged everyone who was able to donate, to do so.
“Last year we distributed just over 400 gifts and we’re hoping, with support from the community, we can give even more this year,” Ms Ferris said.
“Christmas is such a special time of year and we want to make this a happy time for all families and children.”
Ms Ferris stressed that all donations would go directly to local families in need.
“First we distribute to our foster carers and then we look to help as many local support services as possible; everything donated locally stays local and that’s important,” she said.
“There are just over 200 tags on the tree at Gateway so we’re hoping they will all be utilised by December 13 so we can ensure the gifts reach children in time for Christmas.”
Ms Ferris said MacKillop Family Services in Warrnambool currently has up to 100 children in foster care at any given night throughout the year.
“Our foster families do an amazing job but Christmas time can add an extra layer of pressure, whether that be emotional, financial or both,” she said.
“The Christmas gift appeal is just one way we can all help ease that load; it gives our carers one less thing to worry about – we can all play our part to make sure children have happy Christmas memories.”
MacKillop Family Services also supports teenagers as they turn 18 and exit the foster system to either return to their family or support them as they transition into independent living.
“Eighteen year-olds are still, really, just kids who need some direction and support and we do everything we can to ensure they’re on the right path,” Ms Ferris said.
“Many are nervous about going out on their own but we assure them that we’re here for them as they make that transition.
“I remember we had one young person in recent times who was heading out on her own and she was quite nervous about that – but the next day someone donated three boxes of household items. People can be incredibly generous and we’re very grateful for that.”
All donations of toys and gifts can be made at Gateway Plaza up until December 13.
