Two days left for HCC’s Mayoral Christmas Appeal

Mayoral Christmas Appeal remains open, and donations are about to close, the Hawkesbury City Council announced on November 2023.

This year, the Mayoral Christmas Appeal partners with San Miguel, a charity-run and family residential service in Hawkesbury by “yourtown,” providing support to vulnerable young parents and their children.

The Hawkesbury Library Service says: “Gifts suitable for parents aged 16-26 with children aged between 0-12 are needed.”

The donation drive will close on Friday, 15 December 2023.

Gifts must be unwrapped and can be dropped off at the following locations:

• Hawkesbury Central Library, at 300 George Street in Windsor
• Richmond Branch Library, located at 29 West Market Street
• Richmond Marketplace, outside Lowes

Gifts like card games, board games, outdoor games, sports equipment, tool kits, or vouchers from various local Hawkesbury shops are encouraged.

Hawkesbury Mayor and Councillor Sarah McMahon said she feels excited for the upcoming Christmas season while still remembering those having a difficult time. 

“This is a season where we should do all we can to bring joy to others. Sadly, one in six children still live in poverty in Australia, meaning that here in the Hawkesbury, we have many people who need our help.

“I therefore urge everyone who can to please buy even one extra gift and place it in the Mayoral Christmas Appeal box. You could help make a Christmas dream come true.

Alison Schneidereit, the Acting National Manager for Child and Family at yourtown, welcomed the partnership with this year’s Mayoral Appeal. 

“The children and young people that come through our doors often do not know where their next meal is coming from or whether they have a safe place to stay for the night, so Christmas is often a very difficult time of the year for them,” Ms Schneidereit mentioned.

“We currently have children on site ranging from newborn through to 12 years old, and parents from the ages of 16 years through to 26 years. Many of these children and young people have never experienced Christmas as we might know it, so they are very grateful for anything that we are donated.”

Last year, the Hawkesbury City Council teamed up with Richmond Lions Club to provide gifts to the less fortunate during the holiday season.