Christmas spirit thrives
The Christmas spirit is thriving in Warragul, with local businesses initiating their own Christmas drive activities in support of those people less fortunate in the Gippsland community.
South Brew Café, Warragul and Herd Coworking, Warragul held drives for people struggling at Christmas time.
South Brew accepted donations of gifts to support women and children who access Quantum’s services as a result of family violence as well as those people who are experiencing homelessness.
Quantum’s executive director Cindy Pullar was thrilled when she was contacted about the South Brew Café initiative. “Community driven activities that support our clients cannot ever be appreciated enough by the organisation, particularly at this special time of year.”
“Often at this time of year the pressures of gift giving and balancing this with the usual living expenses can become overwhelming for parents and individuals” Cindy stated. “Donations of gifts and non-perishable food items helps to relieve some of this pressure in the hope of bringing a sense of community care towards one another.”
“The Gippsland People that these donations will benefit include women and children who have escaped family violence and families and individuals who are either at risk of homelessness or are homeless this Christmas season.
“Unfortunately both homelessness and family violence does not discriminate, therefore children of all ages, including our young people, adults of all ages, and our veterans are experiencing homelessness or tenancy insecurity,” she said.
A South Brew the drive sought and encouraged donations of linen, toiletries or non-perishable food for hampers, with boxes located under their tree ready for your donations. Donations of Christmas toys for children and teens were also appreciated
Herd Coworking partnered with Olivia’s Place to support some of the region’s families during the festive season.
The pregnancy and early parenting support group is busy at this time of year helping families with various goods.
Herd event co-ordinator Sarah Hurwood said the business love collaborating with charities, particularly local charities.
“We got in contact with Olivia’s Place and birthed the idea for the Christmas donation tree.
Olivia’s place director CJ Rovers said the donation tree was a wonderful way to help their clients during what could be a tough time of the year.
“We fundraise throughout the year, but Christmas time is a challenging time for families, even ones more fortunate than others, so it’s often more amplified during this time of year,” she said.
The gifts will be distributed this week to those who need them most.
Gathering around the donation tree at Herd Coworking in Warragul are (from left): Cofounder Elena Kelareva, Olivia’s Place director CJ Rovers, Herd events co-ordinator Sarah Hurwood and Mark Smith.