Sacks stocked for foster family joy

VOLUNTEERS and board members with SJD Foundation Ballarat were hard at work over the weekend packing toys, food and fun Christmas items for children with foster families to enjoy over the holidays.

The initiative was part of the not-for-profit’s drive to provide 100 foster families each with a Santa sack of goodies, marking the largest delivery the organisation has prepared for their annual Christmas effort.

Delivered this week primarily through Cafs, SJD Foundation director Brayden Dorney said the hampers are an important way to bring happiness to children.

“This is our biggest year this year linking in with 100 sacks and the most amount of goodies in there,” he said.

“The idea is to give a little hope and a little joy to those families that do great things throughout the year taking on foster kids.

“We work with these Christmas hampers each year to deliver to children and family services and some of these will go to our Young Parents program at Yuille Park, and Cafs’ Kinship Care.”

Hamper items include Christmas food like chocolate, jellies, and puddings as well as several toys.

SJD Foundation Ballarat’s Christmas effort has been running since the organisation’s establishment in 2013, and Mr Dorney said it’s long been supported by the community.

“People have been feeling the pinch of the local economy more than ever so it’s really important we keep delivering and increasing our numbers.

“A big supporter has been SPC Cannery helping us with quantities and discounts, and we’ve fundraised through charity barbecues, golf days, and regular supporters.”