Help bring a smile to kids in care this Christmas

Published Tuesday, 06 November, 2018 at 11:03 AM

Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
The Honourable Di Farmer

Queensland’s annual Kids in Care Christmas gift donation drive has kicked off aiming to make sure every child in care has an extra Christmas gift under the tree this year.

Child Safety Minister Di Farmer launched the 2018 appeal at Bulimba State School with local students who were enthusiastic supporters of last year’s appeal.

“We have more than 9600 children in Queensland who cannot live safely at home with their own families, and we want to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to each of them,” she said.

“Our foster and kinship carers do an amazing job making sure these children are loved, safe and part of a family but this appeal is a way to show these children that the rest of Queensland cares for them and supports them.”

Ms Farmer said public donations go a long way to making a brighter and happier Christmas for children and young people living in care.

“Queenslanders are incredibly generous and kind and I would encourage everyone to dig deep and donate to this year’s Kids in Care Christmas gift donation drive,” she said.

“We need a whole range of presents for both boys and girls, from newborns to children aged 17 valued at about $20.

“Things like toys, gift cards, sporting equipment, board games, clothes, books or anything your own children, nieces, nephews and friends would like to receive.”

Ms Farmer said the State Government would again be partnering with national not-for-profit organisation- GIVIT to collect and deliver donated gifts.

“We have been partnering with GIVIT for a number of years on this appeal and they do a wonderful job helping to promote, source and distribute these much-needed gifts,” she said.

“Road Boss Rally Cars have also put their hand up again to help collect and deliver the gifts to locations across the state, including to regional areas of Queensland.”

GIVIT’s CEO and Founder Juliette Wright said it was a chance for big-hearted Queenslanders to spread some Christmas cheer to children living in care across all corners of the state.

“It’s tough not being with your own family at Christmas and kids in foster care find themselves in this situation for a variety of unfortunate reasons,” she said.

“As a Secret Santa you can make a child feel special and supported this Christmas.

“I urge anyone who is able to give to help put a smile on a little face this festive season.

“Through GIVIT you can donate items all year round but this is a very special campaign to make sure children living in care, whether that be in remote, regional or urban areas, have an extra something in their stocking this Christmas.’’

For more information about the Kids in Care donation drive visit www.qld.gov.au/bringasmiletoachild

The state-wide gift tally will be available on the Kids in Care Christmas gift donation drive website at www.qld.gov.au/bringasmiletoachild.

ENDS

Media contact: Cat Milton 0447 117 132