COVID-19 has impacted every one of us, whether through home-schooling, lost working hours or feeling isolated through months of Canberra’s lockdown. But it is children who are impacted the most. Currently, 1 in 6 children in Canberra are growing up in poverty; a sobering statistic which has been exacerbated by COVID-19.
Each year Anglicare hosts ‘present rooms’ run by staff and volunteers where parents can visit and choose an appropriate present for their children. There can be a lot of shame that comes from needing to seek help but parents are always grateful its one less stress for them, and appreciate the opportunity to select the gifts themselves.
STEP ONE
Choose a gift category
STEP TWO
Donate a dollar amount
to go towards that gift
STEP THREE
Make a difference and
give hope this Christmas!
Select a gift category which the Anglicare team will purchase on your behalf.
You can also choose what dollar amount you would like to contribute. Small or large, your contribution will bring joy this Christmas.
Items may vary to suit the needs and preferences of children/young people. The Images below provide examples of each category.
In 2020, more than 600 children received presents from Anglicare thanks to the generosity of the Canberra community. Not only is it supporting a child; it could be assisting a neighbour, friend or colleague who needs a helping hand this Christmas season.
Why is Anglicare having a virtual giving tree?
Anglicare’s emergency relief services in Canberra rely on community donations of food and toys, but due to COVID-19 restrictions are now experiencing both a fall in donations and an increase in demand from growing numbers of vulnerable families. By donating to our Virtual Giving Tree you can help our team purchase toys for our Anglicare Present Rooms which provide dignity to parents experiencing hardship because they can select the gifts for their children.
While we are still accepting donations in person, we have wanted to create a way to give that is more accessible and that accommodates all COVID safety measures.
How does it work?
Our Virtual Giving Tree means that you don’t have to shop for toys or deliver them to an Anglicare service. You simply select the toy category you would like to give and a dollar amount that you would like to contribute! For example you might want to purchase ‘Sports Gear’ as a gift and contribute $50 towards that gift.
The Anglicare team will then purchase $50 worth of sports gear on your behalf which will go to an Anglicare Present Room. When parents who are facing hardship visit our emergency food relief services, they can access the Present Room to choose Christmas gifts for their child – all thanks to your generosity!
Do I have to choose a toy category?
If you don’t have a preference of which toy category, you can select the option ‘Where Most Needed’.
That will enable our team to use your contribution to buy gifts that are most needed! We often find that we don’t have enough gifts for older children so any contribution toward ‘Where Most Needed’ will be greatly appreciated.
Where are the toys distributed?
Our two main Present Rooms are located at Gordon Community Centre and St Johns Care in Reid. Clients are able to select the presents themselves which gives them dignity in a situation which can often bring a lot of shame. We know that having gifts personally selected for children helps bring lots of smiles on Christmas Day.
What type of gifts does Anglicare need most?
We are incredibly grateful for every donation we receive! However we do find that we receive many donations for young children than we need but older children and teenagers are often forgotten. We kindly ask that you consider providing a gift to an older child to help us make a difference this Christmas.
Rather than select a specific gift, can I give to where needed most?
Of course! We are incredibly grateful for every donation we receive! By selecting ‘where most needed’ in the gift category, you can help us make sure we have exactly what we need to ensure every child gets a gift they’ll love this Christmas!
How can I get my workplace involved?
We would love to have your workplace, school or church involved! Simply email donations@anglicare.com.au and we will supply you with posters, flyers and more to help you make a real difference to Canberra families this Christmas.
Who can I contact for more information?
Have questions about the Anglicare Virtual Giving Tree? Email our team at donations@anglicare.com.au and we’ll help answer any questions you have.
