The Christmas period can be tough for a lot of us. Loneliness, financial troubles, or even just the pressure to feel like you’re living up to the ‘most magical time of year’ can make the end of year a tough one—especially as we close out 2022. If you’re looking for a way to give back this holiday period, then we’ve rounded up a list of charities and donation drives to consider supporting this year.
Donate: Pre-Loved Clothes
Vinnies NSW is partnering with local businesses to give back over Christmas and help stimulate a circular economy with its #LocalLove initiative. All you need to do is donate a “substantial haul” (that’s seven good-quality pieces) of shoes, clothes or accessories to Vinnies stores in Bondi or Manly over the December 18th and 19th weekend to receive a voucher for a local restaurant, clothing store or bakery. Each store has just 100 vouchers to give away to places including Messina, Tuchuzy, Assembly Label, and Hotel Ravesis, with local influencers like Elle Ferguson taking part. Even if you can’t donate clothes, it’s a good time to hunt for some pre-loved items, and thereby supporting the St Vincent de Paul Society’s work helping people experiencing homelessness, people on low incomes, and refugees.
Donate: Gift Vouchers to Children
Each year, The Smith Family runs its Toy and Book Appeal to encourage gift donations for children who might not otherwise receive them. Unfortunately, Covid uncertainty means this year the appeal will not go ahead in its usual format. However, it will be providing a digital gift voucher to “every child who would ordinarily receive a gift pack”, so you can donate a voucher instead.
Buy: A Toy To Support Vulnerable Children
Fashion label Aje has created bunnies made from off cuts leftover from its Resort 22 collection, with 100% proceeds going to Adopt Change, a charity that aims to ensure all children have access to a safe home. In addition, Aje will be donating 190 bunnies to children in out of home care for gifts this Christmas. You can pick up a limited-edition bunny for $75 at selected Aje stores now, which is great news if you need a last minute Christmas gift.
Donate: Monday to Domestic Violence Shelters
Christmas has been known to coincide with a spike in police call-outs for domestic abuse. Similar to spikes seen during COVID restrictions and sporting events, Christmas can provide an excuse for perpetrators to exert even more control over an intimate partner or children.
You can donate to shelters like the Women and Girls’ Emergency Centre (Sydney), Lou’s Place (Sydney), or Emma House (Melbourne) to provide women and children escaping violent situations with items they need, or even to provide gifts at Christmas.
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