Volunteers give time to aid families
DEDICATED Tassie volunteers have been busy packing presents and filling hampers for those in need this Christmas.
More than 500 food-filled Christmas hampers are ready to be distributed across Hobart and southern Tasmania thanks to hard working Vinnies volunteers, ensuring families can enjoy a joyful meal this holiday season.
Vinnies’ youth and community services manager Simon Terhell said Christmas could be an anxious time, especially for those dealing with cost of living pressures.
“We’ve got ham, vegetables and potatoes for main. We’ve got pavlova shells with whipped cream and fruit salad as well, and we’ve got shortbread in there along with a whole heap of Christmas goodies,” Mr Terhell said.
“We put together a Christmas hamper for each of our families along with a present for each of their children, just to try and make sure that everyone has the Christmas that they deserve and we hope they can have.
“When parents come along with their children and pick their present for Christmas, their eyes light up and it’s very heartwarming and obviously we’re really, really grateful for the small contribution we can make to their Christmas Day.”
Amber Lohrbaecher has been volunteering at Vinnies’ soup vans every month for the past four years, but this is her first time helping out with the Christmas hampers.
The 23-year-old said it was a great opportunity to work directly with people in need.
“I like being a part of community initiatives and feeling like you’re doing something helpful,” Ms Lohrbaecher said.
“I think that’s really the true meaning of Christmas. I feel like Christmas has become so material and it’s all about buying and consumerism, and it’s nice to kind of take a step back and remember that Christmas is about caring, about appreciating people and giving back to the community when you can.”
Volunteers from Tasmanian charity Hobart City Mission have also been hard at work, sorting food and toys this week to give away to more than 1000 members of the local community.
When parents come along with their children and pick their present for Christmas, their eyes light up and it’s very heartwarming
Simon Terhell, St Vinnies