Our centres
Barnardos Gifts for Kids 2024 Appeal
To all our amazing champions for children, thank you so much for your ongoing support of the Barnardos Gifts for Kids Appeal. In 2023, your donations made it possible for both our centre and program managers to provide Christmas presents and gift cards for thousands of children and young people in our care, some of whom have experienced Domestic and Family Violence (DFV), abuse, neglect, poverty and homelessness.
With your help we were able to deliver over $200,000 worth of gifts to children, young people and families in our programs – families just like Kirra’s, who shares her empowering story of strength with you below.
A new start for Kirra and her family
Kirra and her two young children found themselves homeless for several months during 2023, having had to relocate as a result of domestic violence. Despite their circumstances, Kirra started from scratch and managed to secure a private rental, along with necessities like white goods and bed linen, to rebuild the loving home that she knew they all deserved. However, with Christmas fast approaching, Kirra had no funds to give her kids the experience that they needed after such a challenging year.
Your compassion meant that families like Kirra and her children didn’t miss out on Christmas, giving them the extra support they needed – not only to select suitable gifts for their children, but to access food purchased with donations received through the Gifts for Kids appeal.
“I really appreciate the assistance; the kids learnt a lot of life lessons last year. Seeing the joy on their faces when they opened the gifts, that they thought they might not receive, made such a huge difference. I had never been in a situation like what we went through last year and just felt empty and lost, as to what to do. It brought tears to my eyes on Christmas Day, when my daughter said, ‘Santa didn’t forget us mum, he found us!’. That right there was thanks to Barnardos supporters, I appreciate all you’ve done for us from the bottom of our hearts. This year we will be doing our best to give back and help other families – the kids have already written down a few ideas, which I love. Thanks again from all of us. ’’
At Barnardos Australia we recognise the diversity of the children, families and communities we support. Inclusivity is vital to the work we carry out and we try to celebrate different cultures and traditions that are important to our children and families. From Christmas and children’s birthdays to Lunar New Year, NAIDOC Week, Diwali and Ramadan, we make sure that all cultures are represented, and celebrations acknowledged.
You can help share the love this Christmas!
Help us provide gifts to vulnerable children this year by purchasing a gift card, selecting a gift from the Barnardos Simply Giving page or making a cash donation that will assist and empower children and families that require support or specialist services throughout the holidays.
Or why not get your colleagues involved and create your own Barnardos toy drive for your through the Simply Giving website! Set-up is simple and can include your organisations logo, customised message and gift donation goal. You will be sent a unique toy drive link and QR code to share with your employees and customers. You will have access to a dashboard, allowing you to track progress and communicate your success and impact with your supporters. Easy ideas on how to launch your campaign and maximise your impact through social media tiles, emails and other assets can be found here.
If you would like to learn more about ways in which your organisation can partner with us on the Gifts for Kids Appeal, please get in touch via partnerships@barnardos.org.au.
