A local charity is working to make its mark on the Sunshine Coast to ensure hope is not lost this Christmas season.
The Everyday Foundation has launched its annual Christmas initiative, Hope Hampers, and the charity aims to raise much-needed funds to provide joy in a time that is often difficult for members of the community who are already struggling.
Each year, Hope Hampers provides Christmas hampers to members of the Sunshine Coast community who may not be able to afford the essentials for their families.
Karen Gullo, Operations Manager of the charity, is passionate about the role The Everyday Foundation plays within the community.
“With the cost of living continuing to rise, families are already stretched, so Hope Hampers aims to bring the spirit of Christmas to the most vulnerable in our community,” Karen said.
With a goal of giving out 500 hampers this Christmas, The Everyday Foundation has partnered with local schools and organisations to help with food drives, packing, and donations, and they hope the community continues get involved with the initiative to raise the funds needed to make the campaign possible.
“The joy that recipients have when they receive their hamper is priceless.
“We include gifts for all family members, Christmas foods, and toys in the hampers.
“We expect an overwhelming number of nominations this year given how hard this year has been, so we’re hoping we can meet the need.”
In 2023, a single mother recipient thanked the Foundation, relaying that her children said, “It actually feels like Christmas Mum!”
“Having financial issues and trying to meet the cost of living, I was at a point where I needed to reach out and ask somebody for help – that’s when The Everyday Foundation offered me a Hope Hamper,” she said.
Karen Gullo is grateful for the support the campaign already has received.
“Our goal at The Everyday Foundation is to meet people in their place of need, and this is just one of the ways we can make a difference in our community this Christmas.”
The Sunshine Coast community can get involved by donating the cost of a hamper at https://everyday.org.au/hopehampers/give/ or by participating in our ‘Shop & Drop’ – view the food drive list here: https://everyday.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Shop-Drop_HopeHampers-printable.pdf
Volunteers are also needed to pack and wrap hampers.
