With Christmas right around the corner, Gold Coasters are being encouraged to dig deep and donate to keep up with the increased demand of families who are going through a difficult time this festive season.
Australian charity Friends with Dignity has launched their annual Christmas Toy Drive ‘Gifts for Friends’, which aims to collect donations and gifts for adults, teenagers and children who are affected by domestic family violence, as well as families who are struggling financially.
Statistics show there is a significant increase in domestic violence incidents during the Christmas holiday period, which is contributed by alcohol, stress and a higher frequency of family gatherings.
Friends with Dignity CEO Manuela Whitford said therefore, the demand for support this year has increased due to surges in domestic violence cases, as well as added financial pressures from the cost of living crisis.
“We are receiving requests from everywhere now, not only domestic violence agencies, and this is a reflection of how everyone is struggling,” Ms Whitford said.
The volunteer-based charity is urging local workplaces, schools and communities throughout the Gold Coast to host collection drives, or to donate gifts online.
Friends with Dignity is seeking new gifts for adults, teenagers and children.
“We want Christmas to be a special time full of love, happiness and gifts for those in our communities we support, and we are relying on the help from our generous Gold Coast supporters to make this a reality,” Ms Whitford said.
“Donating a gift online is a simple way to help and ensures we can purchase gifts for teenagers who often miss out because people mostly, generously, donate toys for little children.”
Friends With Dignity has been running its Christmas Toy Drive for seven years, donating more than 5000 toys and gifts to refugees across the country.
To learn more about hosting a Christmas Toy Drive, or to donate a gift online, head to friendswithdignity.org.au.
