With the cost of living skyrocketing this year, more people than ever will be doing it tough this Christmas.
However, initiatives like the Giving Tree Appeal will put a smile on many of them across Macarthur this Christmas.
Wests Group Macarthur have again partnered with local charity Big Yellow Umbrella to support families in need over Christmas.
The 2022 Giving Tree Appeal has been launched from today and will accept gifts until Monday, December 12.
New and unwrapped Christmas gifts for children of all ages can be placed underneath the Giving Trees set up across all Wests Group Macarthur venues at Wests League Club Leumeah, Country Club Gledswood Hills and Lakeside Golf Club.
There will also be Giving Trees at other locations, including Narellan Town Centre and Storage King Narellan.
“The state of the economy is impacting families like never before,’’ says Kim Landouw from Big Yellow Umbrella.
“We are seeing a greater demand for our Yellow Hampers food relief services, mental health supports and youth outreach programs.
“The cost of living is far beyond the reach of local Macarthur families and the financial stress is being felt by many.
“A small gesture from a complete stranger could be the lift someone needs to let them know they are not alone.
“If you can give during this hard time, please know your kind donation will go toward putting a smile on the face of a Macarthur family this Christmas,” Ms Landow said.
Community volunteers are invited to the Giving Tree Gift Wrapping Day at Wests League Club Leumeah on December 14.
Gifts will be labelled, wrapped, and presented to Big Yellow Umbrella on the day for distribution in time for Christmas Day.
“We recognise that many families are really feeling the pinch and we hope that through running this appeal once again we can offer disadvantaged families and children in Macarthur the chance to experience the excitement and joy of Christmas,’’ says Wests Group chairman Alan Buxton.
“Last year the initiative delivered more than 800 presents to some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged families in the region, and we hope to achieve similar in 2022.’’
For more information on Wests Group Macarthur community support endeavours visit https://westslc.com.au/communitynews/
Pictured above are Wests staff members Kurtis Tolnay and Katie Petkovski with the Giving Tree at Wests League Club Leumeah.
