Who knew that Santa’s Workshop was nestled away in the northern suburbs of Perth? They call themselves the WUCMen, and each Wednesday they gather in a shed in the semi-rural area of Gnangara and make wooden toys for UnitingCare West’s Christmas Appeal – The Target and UnitingCare Giving Box. The toys are then distributed to families in WA to spread hope, joy and love to people at Christmas.
A group of Men from Wanneroo Uniting Church wanted to start a men’s group for church members, but wanted to spend their fellowship time doing hands-on projects rather than sitting around chatting and listening to speakers. And so the WUCMen was formed – standing for Wanneroo Uniting Church Men.
Keva Barnard, a WUCMan, said that the group consisted of men from various backgrounds who just wanted to use their time doing practical things together.
“We’re interested in working, so we formed this group,” Keva said.
Throughout the year, the group make wooden toy cars, pull along trolleys and building blocks, usually donating around 20 toys a year. Some of the toys also get donated to Princess Margaret Hospital for Children.
But it’s not just toys the WUCMen make; they also make other items as the need arises, as well as doing church maintenance and holding fundraising events which help support a young lady in Fiji as she studies at university. On top of this they occasionally hold a stall at the local shopping centre to sell items as Mother’s Day or Christmas gifts.
Keva said that the group were just good friends who wanted to use their fellowship time for good.
“We were looking around for a community service activity,” he said. “We’re doing things for others. We know they’re always appealing for stuff at Christmas.”
Inspired?
If you would like to donate to the Target and UnitingCare Giving Box to help families by providing gifts this Christmas, simply purchase a gift from any Target store and leave it under the tree to be distributed by UnitingCare West volunteers. Gifts can be donated right up until Christmas Eve. For more info visit http://www.unitingcarewest.org.au/donate/christmas-appeal/ or call Julie on 08 9355 9114 or email Christmas@unitingcarewest.org.au.
Heather Dowling