THE Christmas spirit is a spirit for giving and after a challenging year of floods and economic challenge, the FamilyCare Christmas Appeal has never had more significance or need.
A provider of family services and carer support for those with disability, FamilyCare’s Christmas Appeal is a well-established tradition in the region, inviting community members to share in the joy of giving by donating a gift for each of the family members the service supports.
Now also the lead for the Regional Flood Recovery Case Management Service, FamilyCare has expanded its delivery of gifts this year to include those who have been flood impacted.
With a host of local businesses and organisations such as ConnectGV, ANZ, Stellar Coffee, The Shepparton Marketplace as well as others, hosting gift trees, participants can simply pluck a gift tag from one of the trees, providing the age and gender of a recipient.
Although it is not necessary to pluck a tag, gifts (and teenage friendly vouchers) can be placed under a gift tree wrapped or unwrapped until December 19, when they will be joyfully distributed by dedicated, FamilyCare staff.
With over 240 families to be supported by FamilyCare this year, it is essential that flood impacted families register their details via the flood recovery hotline on 1800 560 760 to receive generously donated gifts.
With the buzz and excitement of beautifully handcrafted wooded toys being delivered to the FamilyCare tree in Welsford street by members of the GV Woodworker Club, Child and Family Services Alliance executive assistant, Katie Huddleston said, “The community’s generosity in providing gifts for those in need makes as indelible difference in bringing cheer and joy to not only children at Christmas, but to entire families as well.”
