No time like the present for supporting SunnyKids
31 October 2013
Retailers from the Maroochydore Homemaker Centre are calling on the Sunshine Coast community to join them in spreading some birthday cheer to at-risk children and disadvantaged families, as they celebrate the commencement of the Maroochydore Homemaker Centre First Birthday Gift Drive.
Maroochydore Homemaker Centre Manager Jennifer Ellis said the drive — which is running until 16 November —would see the centre and the broader Sunshine Coast community join together to raise much-needed funds and compile a range of gift items for needy Sunshine Coast families supported by local charity, SunnyKids.
“With the Maroochydore Homemaker Centre celebrating one year of trade in mid-November, we wanted to get into the birthday spirit and find a way to give back to the local community. It seemed fitting to support a charity that helps disadvantaged families in our own backyard,” Ms Ellis said.
“Local residents have been so supportive of the centre since day one and we couldn’t have welcomed so many new retailers without the community’s eagerness to embrace a more diverse range of retail outlets in the area.”
“This gift drive is our way of saying thank you and doing what we can to assist local families who could use a helping hand.”
Ms Ellis said while retailers within the centre were currently selecting a range of gifts that could be passed on to families in need, local community members that were keen to get involved were also invited to drop off a gift or monetary donation.
“Local residents can come into the Maroochydore Homemaker Centre and drop wrapped gifts off at the designated collection points within each store, or alternatively, they can make a donation online via www.sunnykids.org.au/donations,” Ms Ellis said.
“Gift items could include anything from sporting equipment, toys, appliances and electronics, right through to, clothing, furniture and homewares. We just ask that no used items or perishables are donated for safety and health reasons.”
SunnyKids CEO Chris Turner said the gift drive would brighten the lives of a large number of local families that were living below the poverty line or facing hardship.
“We so often see gift and donation drives taking place around Christmas, and while these are brilliant initiatives, it’s really nice to see a drive taking place outside of the holiday season,” Mr Turner said.
“The reality is that many of these families go without basic essentials as well as the ‘nice-to-have’ items year-round; it’s wonderful to be providing them with a range of gifts and bringing some joy into their lives.”
Mr Turner said SunnyKids worked with families each year assisting them to overcome issues such as homelessness, unemployment, mental health concerns and family bereavement.
“Just one example of one of Sunshine Coast residents we’ve been able to assist lately was a single mother, Joanna, and her three children,” Mr Turner said.
“Joanna had recently left an abusive relationship and was struggling to pay bills, put food on the table and support her eldest son with his schooling.”
“SunnyKids provided some emergency relief to ensure there was food and clothing available, had the family’s electricity reconnected, helped Joanna apply for permanent housing and had a family support worker assist with managing budgets and daily routines.”
Mr Turner said in just three months, Joanna emerged as a self-assured parent with more confidence and trust.
“Joanna has now enrolled in TAFE, and we’ve also witnessed some really positive improvements from her school-age son, who is now attending school frequently and showing better behaviour in the classroom.”
For more information regarding the Maroochydore Homemaker Centre First Birthday Gift Drive, please visit www.maroochydorehomemakercentre.com.au.
Gifts can be donated until 16 November at various collection points within the centre, which is located at 11-55 Maroochy Blvd, Maroochydore. Monetary donations can also be made online at www.sunnykids.org.au/donations.
// Ends.
Media contact
Kristen Roder, Fresh PR & Marketing
P: 0406 546 461
E: kristen@freshprm.com.au
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