How We're Giving Back This Christmas
Christmas is as much about giving as it is about celebrating, family, and food, so every Christmas we make it our mission to spread a little Christmas cheer around to those who might not be as fortunate as us, particularly around this time of year. Over the years, we’ve given to a multitude of different organisations, so here’s some of the ones that are closest to our hearts. If you’ve got some extra Christmas cheer (whether that be time, finances, or different items of sorts), why not think about spreading it around a little?
Share the Dignity is an Australian women’s charity bringing dignity to homeless, at-risk women, and women experiencing domestic violence through distribution of sanitary items, and funding funerals of those killed as a result of domestic violence. They believe all women matter, and all women deserve dignity and justice.
These guys are awesome - you can make money donations super easily, which go towards giving a woman all the essentials that she needs. OR you can put together your own bag and drop it into an ‘It’s in the Bag’ checkpoint! Find (or buy) a handbag that you don’t use any more, and fill it up with the things that you use day-to-day, that one of these women might not have! Everything from deodorant, to tampons, plus a little something extra (and pretty!) because she deserves to feel special. Any and every thing is appreciated!
Kmart Christmas Wishing Tree Appeal
The Kmart Christmas Wishing Tree Appeal encourages those contributing to give a practical gift that will help people in need all year round. You can check out their 'Wish List' in 'Give a gift in stores' section on their website, that shows what our charity partner needs most. If you want to simply donate, there are Christmas trees at the entrance of every Kmart with decorations that you simply take off and pay for at the counter! The Appeal runs from 12 November 2018 to 24 December 2018 and monetary donations will be accepted until 31 January 2019.
I have found myself looking for last minute gift ideas at Kmart DOZENS of times, and there’s still two more weeks before Christmas, so I’ve challenged myself to donate every time I go in - whatever I can afford at the time, but just something.
The Smith Family is a national, independent children's charity helping disadvantaged Australians to get the most out of their education, so they can create better futures for themselves. Right now in Australia there are more than 1.1 million children and young people living in poverty. For a child living in poverty in Australia, your reality is grim. The Smith Family make it possible to support these children and families in so many different ways, which means you can donate however you like!
You can donate money directly to the foundation, sponsor a child, volunteer your time, or donate your clothes. OR (and our favourite way) you can choose a toy online and buy it for a child who may not be fortunate enough to receive a present from Santa this year. We think of our childhood around Christmas so fondly, with gifts under the tree and presents from family members, and it breaks our heart that some children don’t get to experience Christmas like that.
Of course, there are so many different ways that you can help someone else out this season (and every other day of the year!) - buy coffee for the person behind you in the line at the coffee shop, bring a couple of extra presents to your next gathering, offer a home cooked meal to someone who might not have somewhere to go for Christmas this year, or simply drop a couple of coins into those jingling buckets that are in every shopping centre while you’re doing your Christmas shopping. You don’t have to be a billionaire to give back, you just have to give cheerfully, and show someone that you care.
