A special gift that requires no wrapping
BY LERISSE SMITH
As Christmas draws near, we often find ourselves rushing around and checking off our ‘to-do’ lists whilst ensuring gifts are wrapped and under the tree, ready for memories to be made on Christmas Day.
Whilst this is a very common scene, festive memories were also made recently as the special partnership between The Salvation Army and Myer gave great joy and hope to families facing tough times this Christmas through their annual Kids Day Out event.
Spanning many years, the festive occasion held at Myer Melbourne treated about 30 children and their mums affected by family violence to an exclusive event with limitless food, lollies, face painting, balloons and photos with Santa. An event that may be the only celebration they experience this Christmas.
Executive General Manager of Stores at Myer and Chairman of Myer Community Fund, Tony Sutton, said through Myer’s charitable Christmas campaign activities, which included the Kids Day Out, Myer felt privileged to help make Christmas a little brighter for children and families facing hardship.
“Witnessing the joy and happiness on the children’s faces is an honour,” he said. “We are grateful for the work the Salvos team do each and every day.”
As the children ran around having their faces painted and boarding the train to Santaland, elves enthusiastically helped create magical moments as they welcomed the kids and their mums before visiting Santa.
“The spirit of Christmas was well and truly alive as hearts (and tummies) were filled and appreciation was shown all around.”
Colonel Rodney Walters, Secretary for Communications, attended this year’s occasion and shared his appreciation with the Myer staff and how their support enabled families affected by family violence to enjoy a special and memorable night out at Christmas.
“It helps us to be able to lift their spirit, able to give hope, able to let them know that they are seen and loved,” he said. “Our mission is to transform the lives of Australia, one life at a time, with the love of Jesus, and it is partnerships with others who come alongside us who make it possible.”
A generous Myer Santa sack filled with gifts was given to each child at the conclusion of the event. All the Santa sacks were hand-packed by the wonderful Myer team members who volunteered their time and selected the items to go in each child’s personally curated bag. The children also received Myer’s Charity Bear, affectionately named ‘Charlie,’ after children voted on his clothes and name at last year’s event.
“Thank you to Myer for opening your hearts and doors and giving children an experience many would not have the opportunity to have. We really appreciate it,” Rodney said. “The spirit of Christmas was well and truly alive as hearts (and tummies) were filled and appreciation was shown all around – even by a young boy who hugged one of the elves as he was leaving.”
A special thank-you to our Family and Domestic Violence team and friends at Myer for gifting their hearts and time to make this a Christmas to remember.
