Australians are being urged to donate items for hamper baskets, or provide cash donations online to provide much-needed support to those most vulnerable this Christmas, as part of the Merry Mission Appeal, running from 7 November to 2 December, with cash donations accepted online until the end of December.
For the first time this year, Windermere Child and Family Services will host Merry Mission Day on 25 November, one month before Christmas, as a time to gather items for donation, or set a reminder to offer cash support online.
In-kind donations can include gifts for children aged 0-16 years, non-perishable food items and personal care products delivered to Windermere’s Pakenham office at Toomah Community Centre, 18 Golden Green St, Pakenham.
Families supported by the appeal include struggling families who are facing barriers, or those who may be experiencing homelessness or family violence.
Donations give them a chance to receive Christmas items they wouldn’t be able to purchase otherwise.
Shaneen and her daughter Phoebe, a talented para-equestrian rider with cerebral palsy, received Christmas gifts and helping hampers through Merry Mission in 2020 and 2021.
It was the first time they had been able to enjoy Christmas gifts since Shaneen’s partner and Phoebe’s father passed away in 2008.
“Windermere and their donors really made our Christmas, we received a big hamper, and we had nothing at the time. It was a god send, and had all useful things in there,” Shaneen said.
For over 10 years, the Merry Mission Appeal has assisted approximately 5,000 families providing 9,600 gifts, 4,060 hampers, with $360k raised through the cash component.
Dr Lynette Buoy, Windermere CEO said seeing so many being helped by the donations to the Merry Mission Appeal was one of her favourite things about leading the organisation.
“At Windermere, we assist thousands of people each year with support services, and Christmas time, whilst a time of joy for most, can present difficulties for those living in poverty, or complex circumstances. It is always wonderful to see the generosity of Victorians each year, to give these deserving individuals and families a Christmas to remember,” Dr Buoy said.
Every year Windermere assists over 20,000 people with support and guidance in the areas of family and parenting, homelessness. disability services, early childhood intervention and education, and to victims of crime, assault and trauma.
You can make your donations from now until Friday 2 December, however for ease of scheduling – note 25 November as Merry Mission Appeal Day to make your donations in person or online at windermere.org.au/merry-mission-2022
