It’s meant to be the most wonderful time of the year, but this Christmas will be especially tough for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable members of our community.
It’s for this reason, Lewis Land and Sovereign Hills have joined the groundswell of local businesses and people committed to giving back to the Port Macquarie-Hastings community.
This Christmas, we’re supporting four not-for-profit organisations and charities which have experienced record demand for a helping hand amid the rising cost of living pressures and lack of affordable housing options across the region.
The Port Macquarie Salvation Army will provide food hampers and children’s gifts to more than 200 local families.
“We’ll help single person households right through to a family of six or seven kids,” shared Salvation Army Captain Peter Gott.
Donated items included children’s toys and games, back-to-school backpacks, stationery, toiletries, sporting equipment, and gift cards for teenagers who prefer to select their own items.
“The support will absolutely make a huge difference because it takes the pressure off the parents needing to work out how they’re going to give their children joy at Christmas.”
Christmas gifts were also provided to Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Support Services, Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre and Make A Difference.
“These services consist of the true angels in our community,” said a Sovereign Hills spokesperson.
“The incredible support they provide to our community’s most vulnerable and the regular acts of kindness occur for the most part in private. We hope the donated items help spread some Christmas joy to those who need it most.”
“Us Aussies don’t actually like to ask for help,” added Captain Gott. “We don’t want to give the perception we don’t have it all at times, so to come and have to lay your pride down can be a difficult process, but it’s our view if we can help people with a hand up so they don’t have to go through that again then that is the best outcome.”
