Sharing Christmas joy
For many, Christmas can be a difficult time of year.
Knox Infolink centre manager Denise Budge says the expectations of Christmastime can make it tough for some people.
“Christmas can be a time when everybody around you seems to be having a wonderful time and spending up big and there’s lots of celebrations but for some it’s a very sad time,” she says.
“It’s a time when they realise that they’re very isolated and they don’t have anyone to share Christmas with or their finances are so limited they can’t afford to buy presents or have a nice Christmas dinner with their family.”
Several Knox emergency relief organisations have united for the Knox Community Christmas Support ‘Sharing the Joy’ Appeal. For the past 12 years, the appeal has provided festive food hampers and gifts to our community’s most vulnerable.
“Giving them a little bit of support brings a little bit of joy to what could otherwise be a very sad Christmas for them,” Denise says.
Since its inception in 2010, the appeal has supported more than 5500 people with hampers and presents for children and teenagers. Local businesses, schools and community organisations have supported the efforts.
Council has supported and funded Knox Infolink for the past 30 years to provide food and other material relief for those in the Knox community who are doing it tough.
Denise urges Knox residents to reach out if they need support or can provide support.
“Support is there all through the year for Knox residents not just Christmastime,” she says. “We are there to assist people and if we can’t assist we will do our very best to find services that can, so don’t hesitate to contact us.”
If you live in Knox and are in need of food and other emergency relief, see a list of providers here.
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