COMMUNITY

Wests Group Macarthur has once again partnered with local charity Big Yellow Umbrella to support families in need this Christmas, though the 2024 Giving Tree Appeal, running from Monday 4th November to Thursday 5th December.

Wests Group and Big Yellow Umbrella are encouraging the community to donate new, and unwrapped Christmas gifts for children of all ages underneath the Giving Trees, located at Wests League Club Leumeah, Country Club Gledswood Hills, Lakeside Golf Club Camden as well as Narellan Town Centre.

Big Yellow Umbrella works across the Macarthur region through expressions of interest to ensure the Giving Tree initiative reaches those connected to community services in the lead-up to Christmas. These services include but are not limited to the Tharawal Brighter Futures program, NSW Police, We Are Community, Baptist Care Narraling Centre, and other clients connected to food relief services in the region.

People interested in donating will not need to pre-label or gift tag items, as these will be allocated based on where the need is greatest around the time of gift wrapping and distribution. Gifts for teenagers and adults, including Mums and Dads, are also welcome as are items that can help create a lovely Christmas Day experience, such as tableware and decorations. With consideration of the additional financial pressure felt by many families, a suggested gift limit of $20 applies. There will also be a cash donation option available via Wests Group Reception tills up to $20 should anyone wish for the BYU team to purchase a practical gift for the appeal on their behalf.

Kim Landouw from Big Yellow Umbrella shares; (“The state of the national economy is impacting families like never before, we are seeing a greater demand for our Yellow Hampers food relief services, mental health supports, and youth outreach programs.  The cost of living is far beyond the reach of many local Macarthur families and the financial stress is being felt by many. A small gesture from a complete stranger could be the lift someone needs to let them know they are not alone. If you can give during this hard time, please know your kind donation will go toward putting a smile on the face of a local Macarthur-based family this Christmas.”)

Following the gift collection period, Wests invites community volunteers to join them for the Giving Tree Gift Wrapping Day, taking place at Wests League Club Leumeah on Monday 9th December and whereby all donated gifts will be labelled, wrapped, and presented to Big Yellow Umbrella for distribution in time for Christmas Day.

On partnering with Big Yellow Umbrella, Wests Group Chairman Alan Buxton comments, (“We recognise that many families are really feeling the pinch and we hope that through running this appeal once again, we can offer disadvantaged families and children in Macarthur the chance to experience the excitement and joy of Christmas.)

Last year, the Giving Tree initiative delivered nearly 1,000 presents to some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged families in the region. In 2024, we aim to achieve a similar result and continue supporting those in need across our community.