Nationwide domestic and family violence support charity and Australian Charity of the Year 2018, Friends with Dignity is doing all they can to help create a brighter Christmas for survivors of domestic and family violence amidst the COVID-19 pandemic by pushing ahead with their annual Christmas Toy Drive.
The annual Christmas Drive is in its fifth consecutive year and was born after the not-for-profit organisation realised a need to provide some happiness and a sense of normality to individuals and families in refuge at what is supposed to be a wonderful time of the year.
Friends with Dignity is calling out to the public to donate new and unwrapped gifts for men, women and children. All gifts are welcome from fishing rods and rugby balls to magazines and make-up.
“We try and provide a larger toy, a smaller toy and a book for each child, depending on the amount of the donations we receive,” said Friends With Dignity National Community Engagements Manager, Rosemary Macchiavelli.
“Plus also something for the Mum and/or Dad, to put a smile on their faces, too.
“For this reason, we ask that all gifts are to be unwrapped. We also accept and appreciate gift cards and vouchers.
“Wrapping paper, gift bags, sticky tape and scissors are also accepted to allow the parent to choose an appropriate gift for their child and provide them the dignity of wrapping the present on Christmas Eve.”
Members of the community are also encouraged to host a workplace drive to collect toys and gifts with colleagues and can email community@friendswithdignity.org.au for more information and to register.
All gifts and donations are to be dropped off to one of the registered locations by no later than the 7th of December, 2020 to allow time to distribute to all the agencies and services.
All donors are reminded to take the necessary precautions to ensure Covid safety.
For a full list of drop-off locations, head to their website or contact community@friendswithdignity.org.au.
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