Spreading Christmas joy to children in need

Not-for-profits St John WA and Anglicare WA have continued a five-year partnership to support families and children in need over the holiday season.

In a heartwarming tradition, the St John WA team, across 10 statewide locations from Kununurra to Albany, collected a raft of new toys and gifts for children who might go without this Christmas.

St John WA’s Giving tree contributed more than 500 gifts to Western Australian families across the state experiencing financial hardship this festive season, with 170 gifts collected in Bunbury alone.

In Perth, the gifts were transported by ambulance from St John WA's state office in Belmont to Anglicare WA in East Perth in the first week of December to be wrapped and delivered across its network.

St John WA group chief executive officer Kevin Brown praised team members for digging deep and supporting the Giving Tree partnership, especially those in regional locations with collections running until 15 December.

“These generous donations will mean hundreds of Western Australian children will get to enjoy opening a present on Christmas morning,” he said.

“Not only do St John WA people provide a vital community service, but they are often the very same people who lend a hand to those in need.”

Anglicare WA chief executive officer Mark Glasson said families were doing it tough this year more than ever.

“The rising cost of living means more families are struggling to put food on the table and presents under the tree this Christmas,” he said.

“These gifts will bring Christmas cheer to children whose families are experiencing hardship.”

The partnership has delivered more than 3000 presents since 2018.

You can support Anglicare WA’s Christmas appeal here.