Wests Group Macarthur have once joined forces with Big Yellow Umbrella to bring a little cheer this Christmas to local families which have faced a lot of challenges this year.
The 2019 Giving Tree Appeal, which will run throughout November, encourages Wests members and their guests to donate new and unwrapped Christmas gifts for children of all ages.
Gifts can be placed underneath the Giving Trees, set up at both Wests Campbelltown and Country Club Gledswood Hills.
Wests Group CEO Tony Mathew says it’s an honour to contribute to putting a smile on the faces of Macarthur children and their families in need this Christmas.
“There is no greater joy than watching children open their gifts on Christmas morning,” he said.
“Unfortunately, there are many children who would not experience that excitement of Christmas morning without the generosity of our community.
“We encourage our wonderful members and the wider community to get involved and contribute to the Giving Tree in any way they possibly can,” Mr Mathew said.
Each Giving Tree features gift tags that are pre labelled by age 0-18 and gender that can be taken off the tree to purchase gifts or attached to a donated gift bought into the club.
Gifts for adults including Mums and Dads are also welcome.
Following the gift collection period, Wests will host a volunteer gift wrapping day at Wests Campbelltown on December 3 where all donated gifts will be wrapped and presented to Big Yellow Umbrella for distribution.
“Many families have found the last 12 months particularly tough, with a high prevalence of couch surfing, homelessness, and mortgage stress in the region,’’ says Kim Landouw, manager of Big Yellow Umbrella.
“This can be further exaggerated with anxiety and pressure bought on by the Christmas period.
“That’s why the Giving Tree Appeal is an important initiative that helps families have a positive and happy festive period, and to feel they are supported by the Macarthur region community.
“We delivered 847 presents through our partnership in 2018 and are thrilled to work with our partners in 2019 with the aim to help more families than ever before.”
For more information please visit www.westslc.com.au
