Wollongong City Council media release: Monday 14 November 2022
Help bring Christmas joy to those who are doing it tough in our community by dropping off donations to the annual City of Wollongong Giving Tree.
On Monday 14 November, Wollongong City Council launched the annual Giving Tree appeal with local non-profit organisations St Vincent de Paul Society and Anglicare.
The Giving Tree appeal is an annual city tradition that seeks to help those who are doing it tough to experience the joy of Christmas. We’re calling for residents and businesses to donate unwrapped toys, gift vouchers, or online cash donations for children aged 0-16 years.
“Christmas can be a financially stressful time for many families, especially as we grapple with rising economic challenges,” Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.
“Purchasing Christmas presents can sometimes be out of reach for some families. We want to make sure every child gets to celebrate the holiday season with a Christmas gift and we’re asking for our community’s help to make this happen.
“I know there are some families and individuals who support this initiative every year and we continue to be grateful for their support. There is something special about knowing that, on Christmas morning, there will be a child or young person with a smile on their face thanks to a gift that you’ve left under the Giving Tree for them.
“The Giving Tree appeal is a joint effort between Wollongong City Council, St Vincent de Paul Society and Anglicare. We’d love to increase the number of donations this year to support more people in our community doing it tough, but we’ll need your help to achieve this!”
“If you’re in a position to donate, please do. I appreciate the kindness our community continue to show every year and make a difference by participating in our Giving Tree appeal,” Cr Bradbery said.
“Christmas is a wonderful time for people to share a little joy with their loved ones. A Christmas gift is a small way we make a difference to children and families who are facing financial stress.”
The annual Bikers Toy Run event will bring the Giving Tree appeal gifts on their convoy before dropping them off at the Christmas tree in the Crown Street Mall, Wollongong. You can watch the Bikers Toy Run on their Santa route on Saturday 3 December. The Bikers will depart Shellharbour at 10.30am and arrive in the Mall at approximately 11am.
See our Christmas in Wollongong webpage for more information.
You can drop off your special gifts at the following locations by Sunday 4 December:
- Wollongong City Council Admin Building, 41 Burelli Street Wollongong
- Your local library – see the Wollongong City Libraries website for location details and opening hours
- Dapto Mall Customer Service Desk, Moombara Street, Dapto
- Corrimal Village Customer Service Desk, 270 Princes Highway, Corrimal
- Warrawong Plaza Customer Service Desk, Corner King and Cowper Street, Warrawong
- Wollongong Central Customer Service Desk, 200 Crown Street, Wollongong
- South Coast Floor Coverings, 299 Keira Street Wollongong.
You can also donate towards the Giving Tree appeal online.
If you’d like to know more about City of Wollongong’s Giving Tree please visit our Christmas in Wollongong webpage.
