20 December 2016.
Parishioners from Goulburn’s St Saviour’s Cathedral, F5 Anglican church and Christ Church West Goulburn have generously donated over 400 Christmas gifts to support children and their families during the festive season – the largest response ever received by Anglicare for the Christmas Giving Tree Appeal. The appeal was also supported by people from across the community who donated gifts of toys, books, games and other items which will be delivered by Anglicare to children and their families this week in the lead up to Christmas.
Anglicare Executive Director, Simon Bennett, is overwhelmed by the response. “We’ve been wonderfully surprised by the hundreds of presents that have been so generously donated to help children and families who are part of Anglicare’s services,” says Bennett. “These are vulnerable families who have received assistance through our emergency relief and crisis housing services. Without the support of people in the community, these families would struggle and children would miss out this Christmas. Anglicare is so thankful to the Goulburn community for their support.”
Hundreds of families in the Goulburn region will be assisted through the donations as staff prepare food and gift hampers to take to those in need who would otherwise go without. Congregation members from St Saviours Cathedral have been loyal supporters of the annual Giving Tree initiative which has been running for well over a decade.
“Christmas is an important time of year to make sure children and families in our community aren’t forgotten,” says Phillip Saunders, Dean of Goulburn Cathedral. “Our congregation members are delighted to assist in a way that reflects the message of Christmas message of hope and love in such a practical way. We are also so proud of the way the community has rallied to support vulnerable families through this appeal.”
F5 church have been similarly inspired. “To know that there will be smiles on the faces of children who otherwise might have missed out on a gift this Christmas is such a delight,” says F5 leader, Jane Robinson.
For more information, please contact Anglicare Executive, Simon Bennett, on 0427 493 365.
To download a copy of this media release, click here.
