Advocacy
Santa visits Gungahlin Village shopping centre to launch Communities at Work appeal
Freya Lucas
Dec 02, 2021
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Santa has made his annual pilgrimage to Gungahlin Village shopping centre in the ACT, kicking off the 2021 Christmas appeal.
He arrived on the light rail, bringing donations for families in need, ably assisted by helpers from Canberra Metro Operations, dropping the donations under the Gungahlin Village giving tree, adding to the gifts generously donated by the shopping centre’s customers for the Communities at Work Christmas Appeal. Communities at Work is Canberra’s largest non-profit community organisation, providing much-needed food, gifts and crisis support services to the many individuals, families and children experiencing domestic or family violence, homelessness or financial or emotional challenges, as well as providing early childhood education and care (ECEC) services.With many families experiencing hardship for the first time as a result of ongoing financial challenges arising from COVID-19, Communities at Work is seeking further support to help those in need.
Gungahlin Village is one of the numerous organisations around Canberra hosting a Giving Tree for Communities at Work to collect non-perishable food and gifts and by donating a percentage of customers’ shopping through it’s ‘Share the Merry’ campaign.
“Gungahlin Village and its customers support Communities at Work and it’s community pantries not just at Christmas, but year-round,” explained Bri Nix, Gungahlin Village Centre Manager.
“It’s not only an expression of compassion for those in our community who need support but also a symbol of community solidarity. We have seen time and time again, particularly during the last two years through bushfires and COVID-19, the uncertainty and the strain these events have and continue to have on our community.”
“The services of the Communities at Work team have been invaluable to many during these times - not only the service they provide but the care they take to provide support without judgement to those who need it, when they need it,” Ms Nix said.
“The support of our community is vital as it allows us to stock our community food pantries, arrange clothing for people in need, and provide essential items and services in times of crisis,” said Lee Maiden, Communities at Work Chief Executive Officer.
For more information on the Christmas Appeal visit commsatwork.org/christmas or email christmas@commsatwork.org
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