Barnardos Auburn Children’s Family Centre Manager Grace Hong said they were now seeing hundreds of new faces who were not their regular clientele, over skyrocketing cost-of-living expenses.
She said most of these parents worked but after rent, electricity and food, there was no money leftover for extracurricular activities or any luxuries at all, including Christmas gifts.
To donate to a child, residents can now go to barnardos.simplygiving.com.au/about.cfm and select a gift you’d like to purchase and they will distribute to needy families in Auburn.
From soccer balls, arts and craft packs and dolls to monopoly and other games, play doh, lego, beach bags, barbies and trucks, there are endless options in the $20-$30 price range.
Ms Hong said two young brothers in out-of-home care received a red, metal wagon for Christmas from Barnardos last year, with their carer reporting they spent hours in the garden using it to move rocks, dirt and stuffed animals as passengers and when they moved into long-term placement, it was the first thing they packed.
“The Simply Giving website is great for gifts for younger children but we would also love people to donate gift cards, zoo, movie and museum tickets for older children and adults,” she said.
“I know that many of our families would also be thrilled with a $50 grocery or petrol gift card so they can meet urgent needs.
“As we also operate a refuge for women and children escaping domestic violence, donations of new linen, bedding and small household items are also very welcome.”
Barnardos Auburn, 18/24 Kerr Parade, is open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, to drop off items or for collection or further info, call 8752 0300.
Simple way to make child Christmas wish come true
IT’S never been easier to give to a child in need this festive season, with Barnardos Auburn calling on donations and support to help the thousands of families who cannot afford a Christmas.
