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Gifts going out to those in need

For Kristy and her son Dre, a bag of presents when times are tough can make all the difference.

“I heard about it on Facebook, and came here last year to get the same help. It’s an absolute life-saver, and it makes the kids’ day,” Kristy said.

Her family is just one of many who are going to enjoy a brighter Christmas this year thanks to the generosity of community.

A pile of donated gifts have been wrapped with care by IWC’s Communities team, which includes the organisation’s Youth, Integrated Team Care (ITC), Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) and Families’ Wellbeing programs.

“Members of the IWC Men’s Group and Girls’ Group, as well as volunteers from our Healing Circle Work team, also lent a hand to wrap the gifts,” said IWC CEO Ara Harathunian.

“The presents are now being distributed.”

Many of the gifts have come from the Knitting 4 Brisbane’s Needy (K4BN) charity, which travels to Bundaberg several times a year to deliver much-needed toiletries, blankets and beanies, and toys to give to children in need at Christmas.

Others have come from the IWC team, with some generously donated by Gloria from Apple Tree Creek.

“We very much appreciate their support, and the gifts are provided to families across the Bundaberg and North Burnett regions,” said Mr Harathunian.

“We have identified families within our programs and services who will greatly appreciate the gifts – for instance, one single parent within our ITC program. She and her mother are caring for four children under 12 this Christmas, with no money to spend on anything but essentials.”

IWC also is calling on the community to identify families in need who would appreciate gifts for children this Christmas.

“All you have to do is go onto Facebook and drop us a private message providing details such as name, ages of children and a contact number. You can do this for a friend, neighbour or family member if you know they are in need of some Christmas cheer and are facing a tough time,” he said.

“Or you can call our Communities team on 1300 492 492.”