Geelong Giving Tree

The Geelong Giving Tree Appeal is on a special mission to share kindness with those doing it particularly tough this Christmas.

Presented by Meli, in collaboration with The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre, the Appeal runs until December 9 and makes a difference to those who need it most through the distribution of gift cards.

Bec Wilkin from The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre said clients often commented on how helpful it was to be given a gift card so they could make their own choice of gifts.

“Can you imagine someone else choosing your child’s present?” Ms Wilkin asked. “Donations to the Giving Tree Appeal allow clients to have the option to choose a present for their own child which makes it special.”

She said many people needed support just to put a Christmas meal on the table, something that made an important difference to how they were able to celebrate the festive season and nurture family connections.

Ms Wilkin said she saw first-hand the impact the community kindness could have on those seeking temporary accommodation in the women and children’s family violence refuge in Geelong.

“We have quite a few families onsite, including infants, littles ones and upper primary school aged children, who have gone through the worst, and we are committed to giving them the best Christmas we can,” she said.

Ms Wilkin encouraged those in the community who could give even a small amount to get behind the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal and share kindness with those who need it most.

“The Appeal really highlights the idea of ‘community supporting community’ and how powerful that can be,” she said.

“When you have experienced sexual or family violence, you can feel quite isolated. To know that people in your community understand and want to help and support you is so important.

“Let’s make it the best Christmas we can.”

Ways you can support the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal:

• Join in the fun at the Giant Lollipop Day at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery in Bellbrae on Saturday 9 December any time between 9am to 5pm. No bookings necessary. The cost is $9 per person, with $3 donated to the Appeal. Open to children of all ages
• Buy a “Kindness Chocolate” made by the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery in support of the appeal. They cost $12.95 each, with 50 per cent of proceeds going to the Appeal. Purchase them from the Chocolaterie, Peachs Torquay, Blank Space South Geelong (in GMHBA Stadium) and from The Gordon City Campus (customer service desk)
• Join a family-friendly free exercise class thanks to The Jungle Body with Megan and The Jungle Body with Kara at Lions Park, Anglesea, from 9.30am – 10.30am on Sunday December 10. A collection tin will be on site for donations.
• Organise a fundraiser at your kindergarten/school, workplace or among family and friends, and
• Make a donation by heading to geelonggivingtree.com.au

The Geelong Giving Tree Appeal is supported by Cleanaway, Anthony Costa Foundation, Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, City of Greater Geelong, Bisinella, West Carr & Harvey, GMHBA, Goodway, Geelong Connected Communities, Nightingale Home Care, as well as media partners Times News Group and Bay 93.9.