The Rotary Club of Lilydale has completed its fifth Wishing Tree appeal, once again showcasing the generosity and willingness of the community to give back.
At a time that should be joyous and filled with festive spirit, so many will struggle to provide the basics over Christmas and New Year.
That’s why the Rotary club started collecting presents and gift cards for the first time five years ago, starting somewhat small and growing the appeal each year to be able to deliver to more support services, and provide a sense of community.
Anchor Community Care and the Lilydale Proactive Police Unit were still the two major beneficiaries of the appeal this year, but with a surplus of gifts, lead organiser Gerry Van Horick said they could also deliver gifts to Oonah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service, Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service, Safe Steps, Anglicare and Shop 16.
Anchor’s executive manager youth and homelessness services Leanne Nicholson said families at the moment are really stretched.
“A lot of the families we work with when we’re dropping off gifts like this, they just have not got anything remotely like that. Some of them, if we weren’t doing it, they’re not going to get anything,” she said.
“It’s so important, and for the young people we work with, it means they’ve got somebody giving them a gift. Often they’re disconnected from family, so they don’t have anything coming in. It makes them feel like people care and that they’re not completely alone.
“Everybody gets involved in Christmas. It’s everywhere. So if you’re not part of it, it just feels so much more isolating.”
For Leading Senior Constable Luke Egginton being a recipient of the gifts, to distribute across the community, once again meant so much.
“Victoria Police were honoured and privileged to once again be invited to participate, supporting vulnerable families within our community,” he said.
“Many of the disadvantaged families we engage with are often experiencing negative, stressful, or traumatic circumstances. Being able to connect with them in a positive and meaningful way is vital for strengthening the relationship between police and the community.”
LSC Egginton said the schedule had been cleared for the week leading up to Christmas so that presents could be delivered to the various organisations and families before the big day.
Fellow organiser of the project, Anne Van Horick, said the generosity of people never ceases to amaze her.
“The businesses have been very generous again, and we really thank them, because without them, and all the people who donate to them, we wouldn’t have an appeal,” she said.
Rotary itself was able to supplement the gifts this year with items from its Donations In Kind, many of which included Lego.
Ms Van Horick said a special mention had to go to a woman from Croydon who handmade quilts, knitted toys and tote bags.
The gifts and monetary donations made will make a huge difference in the lives of those who received them.
