We are so grateful for the response we received to our Christmas Appeal. Household budgets have been tightened over the last few years, and yet each year, you have made it possible for children and young people in out-of-home care and families that are doing it extremely tough to have a bright Christmas.
Our 2023 Christmas Appeal was made possible by you and with the support of these amazing organizations:
- - Arise Church Goonellabah
- - Big W Lismore
- - Big W Casuarina
- - Big W Palmerston
- - Casino VIEW Club
- - Good360
- - Me & My House Lismore
- - Mental Health Support Group, Northern Rivers
- - The Good Pantry, Lismore
- - Scentsy Buddies
The impact of your gesture of giving is significant to those who receive it, especially the children and young people:
Last year, Mia entered CASPA's care. A few days before Christmas, she looked at the beautifully decorated Christmas tree and wrapped gifts underneath and said, "I think I'm going to have a REAL Christmas this year."
Amy is a single mother to a 7-month-old boy. All the money she has goes directly to living expenses, and she has not been able to afford anything extra. Amy was anxious about Christmas this year. She had planned to visit family and worried they would notice that she could not afford presents for her son, let alone anyone else at Christmas. She considered not attending and spending Christmas alone. Through the donations CASPA received from the Big W Giving Tree, Amy received baby toys and a $50 Big W gift voucher, and her son could enjoy his first Christmas surrounded by family. The gift card also allowed Amy to purchase gifts for the rest of her family.
In the lead-up to Christmas, 15-year-old Lucy asked her CASPA support team for a Barbie doll, the only gift she really wanted. While most teenage girls have long outgrown playing with Barbies and dolls, this was the first doll she had ever received and really longed for. Due to the complex trauma experienced in her young life, her developmental age is much younger, and she has never had an opportunity to play with dolls and "just be a kid." On Christmas Day, Lucy was delighted to receive her Barbie. Since then, she has played with Barbie and its accessories many times.
Jack, aged 12, was thrilled to receive a Big W gift card for Christmas. It was such a privilege for him to be able to pick out what he wanted for himself, something young people in care are rarely able to do. A CASPA worker brought Jack to Big W for his "shopping spree," and it was such a positive memorable experience for both.
Thank you for your continued support and generosity in giving vulnerable children and young people in care the chance to be kids. The gifts received have long-lasting impacts and will be remembered for a long time.
*Names have been changed to protect the privacy and safety of young people and families.
