Hamper appeals launch to help families facing hardship

TWO major Christmas hamper appeals are calling on Northern Rivers residents to donate food, gifts and essentials to support local families facing hardship.

The Byron Community Centre’s Adopt a Family program and the Mullumbimby and District Neighbourhood Centre’s (MDNC) annual hamper drive are both seeking community support in the lead-up to Christmas.

The Adopt a Family appeal invites residents, workplaces and community groups to donate a festive hamper valued at about $100, containing children’s gifts, non-perishable food and vouchers.

Byron Community Centre customer service coordinator Renuka Nicail said the appeal continues to draw strong support.

“This appeal brings out the best in Byron,” she said. “Every year, we see people go above and beyond to create something special for a family in need – it’s incredibly moving and truly reflects the spirit of this community.”

Hampers donated through the Byron program will be matched with families identified by Fletcher Street Cottage and Liberation Larder.

More information is available at byroncentre.com.au or by contacting the centre directly.

In Mullumbimby, the neighbourhood centre is urging families to donate pantry staples, gift cards, toiletries and other household essentials.

MDNC project support officer Katie Tweedie said the centre relies entirely on community generosity.

“We have zero funding for this and many of our existing programs and rely heavily on the generosity of community,” she said.

The centre distributed 244 hampers last Christmas and has already received 97 requests this year, with more expected as Christmas approaches.

Tweedie said rising living costs continue to push more families into hardship. “Families are having to choose rent over food (and) petrol over presents, not to mention what recent data is telling us about the impact financial hardship is having on families including domestic and family violence,” she said.

Tweedie said demand this season has already surpassed the centre’s capacity.

“Being a small community, with limited supports, there has been an extreme increase in the number of people contacting us hoping to receive help this Christmas,” she said. “The number of requests we are taking far exceeds what we have the capacity to offer.”

Donations for the Mullumbimby appeal can be delivered to the neighbourhood centre on Dalley Street until December 15 during opening hours.

Further details and online donations are available at mdnc.org.au/donate.

Hampers for the Adopt a Family appeal can be delivered to the Byron Community Centre by December 12.