CarePackages helping those ‘doing it tough’ this Christmas

NOT-FOR-PROFIT Geelong-based organisation OneCare is providing Christmas hampers to those who are doing it tough this year.

The CarePackage initiative is designed to supply families in need with purposeful items, non-perishable food, Christmas items, retail vouchers and a thoughtful gift leading up to the end-of-year celebrations.

OneCare delivers its CarePackages by partnering with local schools, organisations, and community groups in Geelong and according to OneCare CEO Claire Faulmann these hampers are certainly needed to many living in the region.

“It has certainly been a tough year for all of us as we have navigated the issues of COVID-19,” Ms Faulmann said.

“Even more so for those who are disadvantaged, dealing with family violence, social isolation, hardship and mental health issues.”

OneCare also partners with Geelong businesses and organisations to raise funds for the CarePackage initiative, given it is a not-for-profit group, as well as running a CarePackage fundraising campaign throughout the month of November, which people can still donate to.

This year there are two ways to donate. Donors can either go online to donate financially or purchase a gift card and drop it at one of OneCare’s CarePackage partners.

The list of CarePackage partners for OneCare this year includes Cups Canteen, Barwon Valley Golf Club, Geelong West Library and OneHope Baptist Church, who are displaying CarePackage Christmas trees.

The dedicated team at Cups Canteen, based in Mt Duneed, have been just one of the supportive small businesses helping to raise funds for CarePackage.

“We couldn’t be happier to support such an amazing cause,” Craig Willian from Cups Canteen said.

Each CarePackage partner has displayed a Christmas tree that is adorned with CarePackage decorations which includes information on how to donate to the initiative. Each partner also has a donation box for gift cards.

“Unemployment, as well as under-employment has become a growing concern for our town,” Ms Faulmann added.

“Since COVID-19 began, Geelong has seen a significant increase in the casual workforce needing to access food assistance, just to get by. The disadvantage can be overwhelming, but we can make a difference by joining together to help.”

OneCare has set a goal of delivering 250 CarePackages and will be raising funds until Friday, December 3, 2021.

For more information head to carepackage.org.au.