The generosity of businesses and individual donors this year means a much merrier Christmas season for hundreds of children and families in the greater Bendigo area, according to the head of Anglicare Victoria’s North Central region – and there is still time to donate.
Anglicare Victoria Regional Director Michael Oerlemans said the combined generosity of dozens of corporate and individual donors had led to more than $21,000 in cash donations, more than 300 hampers and over 205 toys and gifts being donated, which will be distributed to those less fortunate. An additional 370 gifts, toys and clothing were collected from Baby Bunting Bendigo alone on Monday 18 December.
“Christmas is a time of joy for so many people across the community, but it’s often the hardest time of year if you’re struggling to afford the presents and festive food that we can take for granted. Even though we know this year has been tough for lots of families with the rising cost of living, so many people have been digging deep to help those less fortunate. It’s what this community is all about and something we can all be proud of,” Mr Oerlemans said.
“Anglicare Victoria would like to recognise the many people and partner organisations who have contributed to making Christmas a bit magical for our children, youth and families. We would like to send a special thanks to our major donors Girton Grammar, Frankie & Co, Baby Bunting, Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre and the Godfrey Go Well Charitable Trust. However, this has been a real community effort and every little bit counts.”
Christmas donations can still make it to children and families if they are received at Anglicare Victoria’s office at 10 Munday Street by Wednesday 20 December. There is a particular need for donations suitable for adolescent aged children such as gift vouchers.
The full list of partner organisations which have contributed to Anglicare Victoria’s North Central region for the Christmas appeal includes (at the time of writing):
- Girton Grammar
- Frankie & Co
- Baby Bunting Bendigo
- Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre
- Godfrey Go Well Charitable Trust
- The Country Women’s Association of Victoria
- Bendigo Radiology
- Inglewood Community House
- Pathways to Care
- Woolworths Echuca
- Insurance House Echuca
- Living Quarters
- Moama Anglican Parents and Friends Association
- Cadell Food Services
- Campaspe Share the Dignity
- St Matthew’s Church Bendigo
- Echuca Neighbourhood House
For more information or to speak to Anglicare Victoria Regional Director Michael Oerlemans, please contact the AV media team on 0419 035 117 or media@anglicarevic.org.au.
