CHRISTMAS is all about giving and nowhere is that more evident than the annual Christmas Adopt-a-Family Appeal.
Established in 2005, the appeal is run every year by the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, in Cannonvale.
This year, 71 families and individuals doing it tough were ‘adopted’ by generous residents and businesses.
“Once again, we called for gift cards and vouchers,” the centre’s executive officer Rebecca Woods said.
“Through the Adopt-a-Family Appeal, individuals and businesses can ‘adopt’ a family or individual, by purchasing gift vouchers for those doing it tough.
“The families and individuals are nominated by agencies that have been supporting them throughout the year.
“By giving vouchers, recipients are empowered to choose what suits their needs best.
“This approach is particularly helpful for people who may be experiencing homelessness or have limited storage space, as well as those navigating unique circumstances, such as families with children who have specific needs.
“This helps the families create meaningful holiday experiences on their own terms.”
Ms Woods said the community ‘really rallies’ in support, at Christmas, especially with the cost-of-living crisis.
“We have also had tourism operators donate tours for families to make lasting memories, with trips to the reef or Whitehaven for Christmas,” she said.
The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre offers a range of services to support the health and wellbeing of families and individuals.
It hosts specialist outreach services, based outside of the region, and holds special interest and social activities.
It also operates an Op Shop and a Child Care Centre on the same site, in Cannonvale.
Earlier this year, the centre was recognised as a certified social enterprise, guaranteeing that the money they raise from the Op Shop and Scallywags Child Care are invested back into the community.
“We couldn’t achieve what we do without the support of our community, keeping it local and knowing that we will invest in our people and our region,” Ms Woods added.
