Donate
1300 946 337
Non-perishable food items, personal care items, brand new gifts, toys and clothes – the list is endless. Sensory toys, games, books and vouchers are often quite popular.
While many of us spend this time of the year making holiday plans, exchanging gifts and sharing laughter with loved ones, for others, it’s just another day of relentless challenges.
When everyday life is filled with despair, a simple gesture of generosity can mean a lot. That’s why each year we reach out for your support to collect gifts and everyday essentials to bring a little Christmas cheer into their lives.
Every year, for over ten years, we have been reaching out to families in crisis through our Merry Mission Christmas Appeal.
These are families we work with every day to support their dream of living a happy and safe family life. Your contribution, no matter how small, can mean gifts for the children and a special meal for the whole family to share.
Imagine what it’s like:
To be a single parent facing the risk of homelessness while recovering from serious illness
To care for a child with complex medical needs and have no place to call home
To struggle to find basic essentials and a roof over your head.
David’s world was collapsing around him after his partner left him.
His son Nigel age 9 has complex medical and disability needs due a rare genetic disorder and his daughter Lisa age 16 is distressed with the constant upheavals.*
Couch surfing at his father’s home, living conditions are far from ideal. Nigel who uses a wheelchair doesn’t have the supports he needs. David’s father is grieving after losing his wife and the household is emotionally strained.
Give families like David’s the gift of hope and relief this Christmas.
*names changed to protect privacy
When you support Merry Mission you touch the
lives of real families with real struggles.
A Pantry Pack could mean a family in crisis won’t need to go without this Christmas.
We aim to reach as many families as possible, but we need your help.
Simply fill the enquiry form below and one of our team will be in touch to arrange collection or drop-off time.
Items we need:
*All items should be non-perishable
See our FAQs for more information.
We aim to provide over 1,000 gifts for boys and girls (aged 0 to 16) who might otherwise miss out on the joy of opening a Christmas gift.
When choosing a gift, keep in mind that these families may be in temporary accommodation and are recovering from traumatic events. Gifts that are easily stored or carried may be beneficial.
Please note that all gifts need to be unwrapped.
If you’d like to contribute, simply fill in the enquiry form below, and one of our team will be in touch to arrange a collection or drop-off time.
See FAQs for more information.
Deliver gifts or Pantry Pack items no later than 5pm on 18 - 29 Nov to:
Windermere Pakenham Office
Toomah Community Centre
19 Golden Green Street
Pakenham VIC 3805
The Toomah Community Centre is only open on select days. If you wish to drop off a number of donated items, please contact fundraising@windermere.org.au to discuss drop-off options.
We like to make sure that everyone receives gifts appropriate to their age and situation. Our case workers (who deliver the gifts) know best what would suit their families. They personally hand pick suitable gifts for their families, but importantly it also gives the parents a sense of control in being able to provide for their children.
We do welcome donations of gift wrapping and sticky tape if you would like to include some with your items, that way the parents can wrap the gifts themselves.
Sometimes life deals us a bad hand, and circumstances mean families are simply unable to afford food and necessities, let alone gifts. Many have experienced extreme disadvantage, trauma and vulnerability, and are connected with Windermere through one of our life-changing services.
Merry Mission provides an opportunity to bring some Christmas joy to children and families who are doing it tough and would otherwise miss out.
Read the story here
Windermere is a not-for-profit community service organisation working across Victoria including key regional locations, to help those who need it most. Working together with our community, we deliver many services through critical partnerships with the government.
We aim to get in early to help children, families and individuals find the best solutions for their varied and complex issues. Our support comes in many forms with a focus on intervention, prevention and education to make a difference in the areas of:
Family Wellbeing: by promoting positive behavioural changes, providing parenting supports and responding to violence and/or neglect to achieve safety and stability
Disability Support: by providing assistance to identify the right supports and goals that matter most to enable people of all abilities to actively participate in their communities
Development & Early Childhood Education: by delivering accredited quality early childhood and care services and specialist early intervention services to help children reach their full potential
Victims Assistance: by providing timely and ongoing practical and emotional support for victims of trauma, assault and/or violent crime
Community Strengthening: by mobilising support services to respond quickly to emergencies, disasters and emergent needs.
Find more information here.
You can help us make Christmas bright for families who need it most. Will you give a little so they can make memories that mean a lot?
48 Webb Street
Boonwurrung Country
Narre Warren, VIC 3805
Phone: 1300 946 337
Fax: (03) 9796 7650
Email: info@windermere.org.au
Windermere is committed to equity, inclusion and belonging for consumers and employees, by building diverse and inclusive services and work environments, where all peoples from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, Culturally & Linguistically Diverse, LGBTIQ+ Communities and those living with disability will know and feel accepted, affirmed, safe and celebrated. Windermere is delivering this through the continued development and implementation of our Welcoming and Inclusion Strategy 2021-2024.
© Copyright 2024 by Windermere Child and Family Services.