Woonona-Bulli RSL CEO Michael Brennan and Keira MP Ryan Park, surrounded by gifts donated to the Keira Christmas toy drive. Photo: Supplied.
Poverty that steals Christmas from children when families are doing it tough does not sit well with Illawarra residents.
Keira MP and NSW Health Minister Ryan Park, along with several charitable organisations, has been pitching in for decades to deliver the Christmas magic all children deserve.
Mr Park’s toy drive began 15 years ago and in that time it has attracted huge community support with the mountain of toy donations growing each year.
“Last Christmas the toy drive supported 80 families, ensuring that about 261 children received gifts during a time that can be especially difficult for women and children experiencing homelessness or impacted by domestic violence,” Mr Park said.
Donations are passed on to Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra (SAHSSI) who distribute them to women and children throughout the region affected by domestic violence and homelessness.
Kayla, 33, from Wollongong, who has four children aged between two and 13, said last year was her first stress-free Christmas in over a decade when she qualified for the toy drive list.
“It’s hard for parents like myself who desperately want their kids to have a normal, happy Christmas,” she said.
“I have three daughters and one son, so up until last year the only way I could afford Christmas gifts was through lay-by deductions out of my pension each week.
“Last year when SAHSSI put us on their list was the best we’ve had because they were all so thrilled with what they received.”
Each child got a large gift and a few small ones and all gifts were age-appropriate.
“My case worker who knows my kids chose the gifts and they were all perfect, right down to my nine-year-old son who got an air hockey game we all played on the day,” Kayla said.
“My 13-year-old daughter is at that age of discovering make-up so she was over the moon with the range of products she got.
“If the people who donated those gifts were standing here today, I’d give them a massive hug and a big ‘thank you’, and if I’m in their position in years to come, I’ll be doing the same thing.”
Natasha, 28, who lives in SAHSSI’s women’s refuge, was overjoyed to learn she was on this year’s list to receive toys for her one-year-old daughter.
“Even though my daughter was only a few months old last Christmas, mother’s guilt kicked in because I felt my baby was missing out on the Christmas joy,” she said.
“I’m excited that this year we can start making the happy memories all kids deserve.”
Natasha grew up in a Housing Commission home and Christmas was stressful for her mother because money was tight.
“But she still managed to buy us presents and I treasure the Christmas photos of me with gifts like my first pair of shoes and my first Barbie doll,” said Natasha.
“It’s now time to start making memories for my own daughter, which is why I’m so excited about Christmas this year.
“I would love to meet the person who donates toys for my child this year because they are a godsend.
“There are no words in the English language to express how grateful I am for their generosity.”
Donations for the Keira toy drive have finished, however there are plenty of other organisations keen for toy donations:
- Salvation Army, 11 Burelli Street, Wollongong. Monday and Wednesday, 10 am to 1 pm.
- St Vincent de Paul: Carols in MacCabe Park, December 11, as well as at Wollongong City libraries until 14 December.
- Anglicare: Wollongong City libraries as well as Figtree Grove, Wollongong Central and Corrimal Court until 14 December.
- Kiama MP Katelin McInerney: Electorate office, 102 Terralong Street, Kiama and First National Real Estate, 220A Tongarra Road, Albion Park, until 12 December.
- Shellharbour MP Anna Watson: Electorate office, Shop 3, 10 College Ave, Shellharbour City Centre until 18 December.
