While Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, almost one third of West Australians feel the stress of disadvantage and isolation during the festive season.
Many people will seek help from charities for their basic needs such as food, or for assistance paying bills. Many more feel lonely and disconnected from family, friends and their community.
This Christmas, UnitingCare West expect to see more than 2 000 people at their hubs in Perth, Fremantle and Merriwa. For the first time, UnitingCare West’s Tranby Centre in Aberdeen Street will be open every day during the Christmas and New Year period, from 7.00am to 7.00pm.
Gayle Mitchell, UnitingCare West’s Practice Lead – Transitioning from Homelessness, is expecting a significant increase in the demand for support at Tranby.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with people and provide the support individuals and families need at an emotionally taxing time of the year. We very much rely on our Uniting Church community to help us help others during this busy time,” said Gayle.
Uniting Church WA schools are getting behind the Christmas Appeal by collecting and delivering Christmas hampers. The schools have also taken part in the UnitingCare West Christmas Card Competition to support the appeal, and the winning designs from children are outstanding. You can order your cards (in packs of 10) via the UnitingCare West website or by calling the UnitingCare West Christmas team on 1300 663 298.
Target Australia is once again a major corporate supporter of the UnitingCare West Christmas Appeal. All Target stores will sell three specially designed gift tags for $1.00 each, with all the proceeds from the sale of the tags in Western Australia going to UnitingCare West. This money is used to provide emergency relief to those who need it, to purchase Christmas gifts, and as support for the wider community. Head into Target to pick up your gift tags and make an immediate difference for our community.
If you would like to make a donation to the appeal, or if your business or congregation would like to host a food drive, visit the UnitingCare West website.
You can also send a cheque made out to ‘UnitingCare West Christmas Appeal’ to UnitingCare West Christmas Appeal, GPO Box 8373, Perth WA 6849. If you would like to make a gift over the phone please call 1300 663 298.
Every gift to UnitingCare West helps to shine a hopeful light for families at Christmas, and beyond.