Christmas can be a difficult time for many children and young people in care, triggering memories of loss and grief. But there are also moments of joy. And even though Christmas is about much more than presents, let’s be honest, one of the most joyful moments is seeing a child or young person’s face light up when they receive a special gift from someone they care about.
That’s why CareSouth created a Virtual Giving Tree, an initiative to spread peace, love and joy to the children, young people, families and communities we help. The Virtual Giving Tree relies on generous donations from our many community supporters so caseworkers in every region can buy a Christmas gift for the children and young people they work with.
Just $50 can buy a gift for a child or young person, and while the cost is small, the impact is huge.
“It’s so important to be able to give gifts to the children and young people we support; they are part of our CareSouth family,” says Illawarra Permanency Support Caseworker Jorden Morris.
Lucy*, one of the many young people Jorden supports, agrees wholeheartedly.
“Getting a gift from your caseworker tells you how that person sees you and what they understand of you,” Lucy says. “If you like Harry Potter and they get you a Harry Potter book or Harry Potter LEGO, then they get you. It shows they care. Even if you get the Odd Ones book, but you really wanted Harry Potter, that’s ok too, because that’s how they see and what they think you might like.”
“No pressure,” laughs Jorden. “But thank you for the hints.”
Last year, CareSouth was proudly able to gift every single child in our foster care program with a present from their local community and we hope to do the same this year.
If you or your family and friends have been thinking about ways to help children and young people in your local community this Christmas, you can donate to CareSouth’s Virtual Giving Tree via our website below.
“Please help us spread the word,” said CareSouth Manager, Customer & Community Engagement Sarah Mason. “Whether it’s telling your family and friends or sharing a CareSouth social media post, every conversation and contribution counts.”
CareSouth could not do our work without our community partners and supporters. Visit our website or social media sites for more information on how to donate https://www.caresouth.org.au/caresouth-virtual-giving-tree-2/.
*Name changed for privacy and confidentiality.
