Adopt a Surf Coaster returns for 10th year

A Surf Coast local is gearing up to lead the tenth annual mission to make sure no child or family goes without gifts this festive season.

The Adopt a Surf Coaster aims to share the joys of Christmas with those who are struggling to make ends meet.

Championed by Liza Graham and friend Gail McCully, the program assists people from all walks of life.

Operated via a Facebook page, requests for support go live online and then are fulfilled by willing families.

This year, close to 100 people are set to benefit from support, many anonymously nominated by schools, churches and more.

Ms Graham said it was shaping up to be another huge year of giving.

“We support anyone and everyone who is having difficulty bringing Christmas to their children. Last year we did about 84 families and it’s looking like it’s going to hit those heights again this year. Unfortunately, the demand is greater than ever.

“It’s not all about money, either. Sometimes parents have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and aren’t in the right place to provide Christmas, they’ve fled domestic violence, or they might be struggling financially.”

The Community Bank Surf Coast will once again host a community wishing tree at Lorne, Winchelsea and Anglesea where gifts can be dropped off.

Local businesses like Rip Curl, Ghanda, Flying Starts Children’s Therapy, Anglesea Lions and Anglesea News and Lotto and McCartney Real Estate will also be jumping on board to help the cause.

“For us, it’s a labour of love. It’s just two busy mums who just want to give back to the Surf Coast community,” Ms Graham added.

“Some of the cases are really sad, and to think we can touch these lives, it’s really special.We couldn’t do it without the generosity of our community. It’s overwhelming.”

For more information, or to request support this Christmas, head to the Adopt a Surfcoaster Facebook page or send an email to [email protected]