Wests Group Macarthur have again joined forces with Big Yellow Umbrella for the 2020 Giving Tree Appeal.
Donations of new and unwrapped Christmas gifts for children of all ages will be accepted until December 6.
Gifts can be placed under the Giving Trees in Wests Group Macarthur venues, including West Leagues Club Leumeah, Country Club Gledswood Hills, Lakeside Golf Club Camden, Wests Tennis Club as well as other locations.
Wests Group say the partnership with Big Yellow Umbrella for Giving Tree helps them empower the community with social support, education and donations.
“It is an honour to once again partner with Big Yellow Umbrella for Giving Tree, to deliver joy to those that need it most, especially after the most challenging of years,’’ says Wests Group chairman Alan Buxton.
“Through the generous donation of gifts, we can give disadvantaged families and children in Macarthur the chance to experience the excitement and joy of Christmas.
“We appreciate our wonderful members and the wider community who no doubt will get involved and contribute to the Giving Tree in any way they possibly can,’’ Mr Buxton said.
Big Yellow Umbrella say the Giving Tree partnership with Wests reflects their vision of “Connecting Community Everyone Everywhere’’.
“This year at Big Yellow Umbrella we have seen a significant increase in need for food hampers and service provision,’’ says Kim Landouw from Big Yellow Umbrella.
“After a year of so many challenges, isolation, and emotional and financial stress, we expect the Christmas period will possibly be one of the hardest times some families have ever faced.
“That’s why this is an important initiative to put smiles on the faces of those who really need it.’’
Tharawal Brighter Futures program, FACS Campbelltown, Wollondilly Children’s Services, Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, Benevolent Society and Healing House are some of the local services connected to the Giving Tree appeal every year.
Last year the local police command helped deliver gifts to families affected by the bush fires.
Overall, more than 700 gifts were collected and delivered via the Giving Tree Appeal in 2019.
“The gifts assisted so many vulnerable children and families during a time in their life when things were unstable,’’ says Kim Landouw.
“The feedback was overwhelming with many commenting on what a difference it made to their families. We hope to be able to do that again”
To ensure the initiative is as Covid safe as possible, those donating gifts will not need to collect, write or attach gift tags to their gifts.
All gift sorting into age and category will be done by the Wests and Big Yellow Umbrella team after the collection period ends on December 6.
Suggestions can be made via stickers from reception as well as cash donations which are welcome via reception at Wests venues should people wish to have a present purchased on their behalf to the value of $20.
In 2020, the categories also include gifts for adults as well as items that can help toward creating a lovely Christmas day including tableware and decorations.
The Giving Tree Gift wrapping day will take place at Wests Campbelltown on December 8 and volunteers are welcome.
For more information on the Wests Group community support endeavours please visit www.westslc.com.au
