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Christmas at Vinnies Redfern Support Centre

The members, volunteers, and staff at the Vinnies Redfern Support Centre have been busy preparing Christmas hampers and donated toys for distribution to families in need.
Their efforts are reflected in support centres and conferences around the state and country but the team at Redfern have been doing it with a little bit of extra flair.
“I love Christmas and Christmas decorations,” says Vinnies Support Centre Coordinator, Donna Boyd.
Donna has employed her considerable Christmas light decoration skills so her team can create a beautiful Christmas workshop full of donated toys.
“Our wonderful team of staff and volunteers has helped light the centre up beautifully.
“We’re inviting parents to come in and collect toys for their kids, so there’s something to go under the tree.
“We wanted to add a little bit of Christmas magic to the experience, so we put up all these decorations and lights.
“Our team has done an excellent job!
“It has been such a difficult year for so many, we are hoping that when people walk into the office, the Christmas decorations and lights will bring them a little happiness.
“We’ve got all sorts of great gifts people have donated like Lego, dolls, toy cars, balls, anything you could find in a toy store.
“There’s even a parent’s table for them to pick up something nice for themselves.
“No-one should go without at Christmas,” Donna says.

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The effort Donna and her team have put in has been worth it – Channel 7 News visited Redfern in November to report on how the St Vincent de Paul Society supports people at Christmas.
That included a look at hundreds of Christmas hampers that had just been delivered and were being readied for distribution around the metro area.
“The hampers have just about everything you need for a Christmas lunch or dinner – and lots of staple food to keep a family fed at other times.
“Most of the people who come to Vinnies for help are provided with food.
“This is something we do year-round but the hampers are something we do especially for Christmas.
“When people are experiencing disadvantage at Christmas, it can place extra stresses on them, especially when other people are relying on them for food, gifts, and so on.
“This changes the sort of help people need and it’s why we go the extra mile.
“No one should go hungry at any time of year and Vinnies is always here to help.
“The basics that everyone needs – food, accommodation, someone to talk to – we are always here to provide those,” Donna said.
As always, the St Vincent de Paul Society encourages anyone experiencing disadvantage to call 13 18 12.