A domestic and family violence support charity is calling on Sunshine Coasters to help make Christmas a little brighter for women and children living in refuge, by donating to its gift appeal.
The RizeUp gift appeal accepts new toys, sporting equipment, gift cards, books and more, and gives them to children, teens and mothers who have fled violent households.
RizeUp Australia CEO Nicolle Edwards said the charity hoped to receive 20,000 gifts across Australia, with about 5000 donations required in South-East Queensland.
“In many cases, people fleeing domestic and family violence enter refuge with nothing but the clothes on their backs, so they are often unable to afford everyday basics like food, clothing and housing, let alone Christmas gifts,” Ms Edwards said.
“It is heartbreaking to think that after enduring the trauma of family violence and having to leave their home and possessions behind, thousands of vulnerable children may also wake up without a gift to open on Christmas morning.”
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Ms Edwards said with requests for assistance having increased by 33 per cent in 2022, RizeUp was hoping to make this year’s gift appeal its biggest yet.
“We are seeking more gifts than ever before and are so grateful to the community members and businesses who get behind the appeal each year and help to put smiles on the faces of people in need,” she said.
“Whether it’s donating a single gift or running a collection drive in the workplace, every contribution positively impacts the lives of people who are doing it tough.”
Sunshine Coast businesses have already begun rallying for the cause, with Buderim-based dredging and civil construction company Hall Contracting having donated $5000 worth of gifts to kick off the appeal.
Hall Contracting CEO Cameron Hall said he was thrilled to be getting behind such a worthy charity and supporting those experiencing hardship within the local community.
“Having a pile of presents beneath the tree on Christmas morning is something many of us take for granted, but the reality is a large number of local families are doing it tough and sadly have to go without at Christmas time,” Mr Hall said.
“We’re proud to be throwing our support behind this incredible initiative and donating everything from books and toys, right through to bikes, skateboards, and scooters.
“In addition to our company donation, we have also invited our team members to donate gifts for a mum or child, and some staff have even opted to contribute funds from their weekly pay cheque to RizeUp.”
“We hope our efforts will encourage other local businesses and community members to get in the giving spirit and support this year’s gift appeal.”
RizeUp assists about 5000 people across Australia each year, delivering practical support to families affected by domestic and family violence. The charity supplies critical resources and school uniforms, furnishes new homes and assists with the costs of emergency relocation.
To donate, please deliver gifts for women or children to the following Sunshine Coast collection points by December 14.
- Carpet Court – Caloundra, 566 Kawana Way, Birtinya.
- Carpet Court – Suncoast, 2/27 Evans St, Maroochydore.
- Shingle Inn Sunshine Plaza, Shop Gd 149 Sunshine Plaza Shopping Ctr, Maroochydore.
A full list of collection points is available at RizeUp.
Important things to note
- Please do not wrap gifts. This will allow RizeUp to direct each one to the most appropriate recipient.
- Please only donate new items.
- Please do not donate toy weapons or items that promote violence of any kind. Many of the children RizeUp assists have experienced family violence and may find these items distressing.
Gift suggestions
Struggling for ideas? The following gifts would be gratefully received:
- Toys and books: picture books and novels, Lego, Meccano, Mega Blocks, art, craft and science kits, stationery, musical instruments, puzzles and board games, toy cars, Plush toys, musical instruments, educational toys, slime and kinetic sand.
- Outdoor/exercise equipment: sporting equipment e.g. balls, cricket set, skateboards, scooters and helmets, body boards, tents, Bikes, gym equipment, beach towels, rollerblades.
- Accessories: jewellery and hair clips, watches, nail polish and nail art kits, perfume and bath bombs, baseball caps, handbags, backpacks and wallets.
- Electronics: portable bluetooth speakers, MP3 players, headphones/earphones, hair straighteners, cameras.
- Gift vouchers: cinema, sporting store, clothing store, experience e.g. Aqua Park, App Store/iTunes, Google Play/Spotify, shopping centre, department store, Visa/Mastercard, Netflix.
Please do NOT donate
- Toy swords, guns, slingshots or water pistols, war toys e.g. soldiers and tanks, combat-focused action figures, violent video games, anything that endorses violence or aggression, food.
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