Secret gifts can bring lots of Christmas joy

THE people of Cairns are invited to take part in Australia’s Biggest Secret Santa this month.

Not-for-profit organisation GIVIT is calling on generous Far Northerners to take a look at what people need across the region this Christmas.

GIVIT chief executive Juliette Wright said this wasn’t blind buying – there was a clear list of donations needed in Cairns.

“Every day of the year GIVIT matches those who want to give to those in need but we always see a huge spike in need leading up to Christmas,” she said.

“To identify exactly what is needed by society’s most vulnerable, GIVIT works with more than 1700 charities nationwide, ranging from The Salvation Army and Australian Red Cross to smaller community groups and neighbourhood centres.”

Brinsmead mum Stella Grossman said her heart went out to the young mum asking for a pram this Christmas.

“It gives you accessibility to do lots of different stuff,” she said.

“If you need somewhere to put them to sleep, you have it ready. It’s important to have somewhere to put them down that’s comfortable and safe and clean.”

She said the limitations on a young parent without a pram were endless.

“It’s a lot of work to get out of the house when you have a little one, so not having a pram would discourage a lot of young mothers from getting out of the house,” she said.

“Not getting out of the house isn’t something you want to encourage in young parents.”

To donate a pram, toys, or any other gifts this Christmas, visit www.givit.org.au.

All donations are anonymous, making this a real Secret Santa.