Greater Charitable Foundation is providing additional funding and support to partner Youth Off The Streets (YOTS) this Christmas to spread some cheer among some of the region’s more vulnerable people.
The foundation has provided the Hunter-based charity an additional $5000 to assist in the assembling of Christmas hampers for up to 50 of their clients and families from around the local area.
The hampers predominantly comprise traditional Christmas food items such as turkey, Christmas pudding, fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as decorations and bon bons to enable these families to enjoy a special Christmas after what has been an incredibly tough year.
YOTS Hunter Engagement and Support team prepared the hampers that will now be distributed to clients and their families from this week.
Youth Off the Streets Director – Services, Ranna Peera, said the hampers are a simple gesture that will have such a positive impact on those receiving them in the lead up to Christmas Day.
“Christmas is a time of year that can be particularly tough for the young people we support, as it reminds them of all the things that might not be available to them: a stable home life, a loving family, or just the special indulgences that make Christmas so special,” Ranna said.
“Our proud partner, Greater Charitable Foundation, has jumped on board to help us brighten this Christmas for the young people we support with funding for our Christmas hampers.
“This will enable our team to add some much-needed festive cheer for our young people in the Hunter community.”
Greater Charitable Foundation, CEO, Anne Long, said that the hampers provided a wonderful opportunity to extend its partnership with YOTS to help brighten the lives of families who may otherwise have gone without this Christmas.
“There are many vulnerable people within our community for whom Christmas simply doesn’t bring the same joy that many of us experience due to their life circumstances. This has become even more so due to what has been a very trying year for many,” Anne said.
“We were delighted to provide additional support to Youth Off the Streets to allow them to prepare these hampers, which we hope will bring some happiness and cheer to families within our community who need it most this year.”
Greater Charitable Foundation has been partnering with Youth Off the Streets since 2019 and currently funds The Hunter Suspension Program, aimed at addressing the high rate of school suspensions and expulsions in the Hunter New England region.
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