SunnyKids General Manager Kathleen Hope said with many of the families SunnyKids assists having experienced homelessness, economic hardship or domestic violence, it was understandably not always possible for parents to fund a gift for their child.
“I think many of us take for granted having a pile of Christmas gifts under the tree, but the reality is that so many local children go empty-handed, which can be especially tough when they see their peers showered with presents,” Ms Hope said.
“While Christmas certainly isn’t all about gifts, we’re inviting local residents and businesses to spare a thought for vulnerable children and young people and donate a toy, book or game if they’re in a position to do so.”
Ms Hope said it was apparent the giving spirit was already alive and well within the Sunshine Coast community, with Buderim-based dredging and civil construction business Hall Contracting having donated more than $5,000 worth of gifts to the cause this week.
"Hall Contracting management and staff have generously donated a range of bikes, scooters and skateboards as well as books, backpacks, sport and musical equipment, toys and vouchers, which will undoubtedly generate plenty of excitement on Christmas morning,” Ms Hope said.
“While 2020 has been a challenging year for businesses around the globe, it’s really heart-warming to see this local company rallying to support those in need within the community.”
Hall Contracting CEO Cameron Hall said the team was thrilled to be getting behind SunnyKids and bringing smiles to the faces of local children.
“Many of our staff members are parents themselves, so this initiative has really tugged at the heart strings and reminded us of the importance of giving to others.
“All of the gifts have been chosen with care, and we’ve made sure to purchase items for toddlers, teens and every age group in between so there’s something for everyone.
“We’re incredibly proud to be a long-term supporter of SunnyKids, which delivers a range of essential services within our community.
“If there are any other local businesses or residents looking to spread some Christmas cheer over the coming weeks, I encourage them to get behind this fantastic charity.”
SunnyKids provides thousands of nights of emergency accommodation, as well as counselling, domestic violence support, mentoring programs and more to vulnerable children, young people and their families each year.
To donate to the charity’s Christmas donation drive, please deliver unwrapped gifts to 49 Price Street, Nambour by Friday, 11 December (please phone 07 5479 0394 first to ensure staff are on site). Alternatively, visit donate2sunnykids.raisely.com to donate funds.
Important things to note
- Please do not wrap gifts. This will allow SunnyKids to direct each one to the most appropriate recipient.
- Please only donate new items.
- Please do not donate toy weapons or items that promote violence of any kind. Many of the children SunnyKids assists have experienced domestic violence and may find these items distressing.
Gift suggestions
Struggling for ideas? The following gifts would be gratefully received:
Toys and books
- Picture books and novels
- Lego, Meccano, Mega Blocks
- Art, craft and science kits
- Stationery
- Musical instruments
- Puzzles and board games
- Toy cars
- Plush toys
- Musical instruments
- Educational toys
- Slime and kinetic sand
Outdoor/exercise equipment
- Sporting equipment e.g. balls, cricket set
- Skateboards, scooters and helmets
- Body boards
- Tents
- Bikes
- Gym equipment
- Beach towels
- Rollerblades
Accessories
- Jewellery and hair clips
- Watches
- Nail polish and nail art kits
- Perfume and bath bombs
- Baseball caps
- Handbags, backpacks and wallets
Electronics
- Portable Bluetooth speakers
- MP3 players
- Headphones/earphones
- Hair straighteners
- Cameras
Gift vouchers
- Cinema gift cards
- Sporting store gift cards
- Clothing store gift cards
- Experience gift cards e.g. Aqua Park
- App Store/iTunes gift cards
- Google Play/Spotify gift cards
- Shopping centre gift cards
- Department store gift cards
- Visa/Mastercard gift cards
- Netflix gift cards
Please do NOT donate
- Toy swords, guns and water pistols
- War toys e.g. soldiers and tanks
- Combat-focused action figures
- Slingshots
- Violent video games
- Anything that endorses violence or aggression
