For one day of the year, more than 400 families and their thousand or so children were able to put aside their troubles when they were showered with Christmas presents and gifts of food, toiletries and clothes, thanks to the exceptional work of Santa’s Classy Helpers and the community.
“It was just beautiful. Everybody was so happy,“ Santa’s Classy Helpers founder Lorraine Kenway said.
What began 10 years ago by three friends – Lorraine, Rosie Grogan and Chris Parker – who approached Cooroy Families Services with thoughts of helping a handful of people at Christmas, Santa’s Classy Helpers has grown enormously as the number of people in Noosa needing help increases.
Over the years they have been joined by an army of volunteers, who due to the year-long fundraising and collection activities of the classy helpers and generous donations of locals, visitors and businesses, bring joy to the increasing number of families who are struggling.
“Over 1500 people were helped this year,“ Lorraine said.
A range of services including YouTurn, St Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, local churches and school chaplains each year refer families in need to Santa’s Classy Helpers.
Toys are selected to match the age and gender of each child.
Last Tuesday from about 7.30am, families arrived at The J Theatre to roam the aisles of the group’s makeshift shopping centre to fill their trolleys with fresh fruit and vegetables, groceries, Christmas treats and a toy for each of their children.
“The community was so generous,“ Lorraine said.
“The Lions club gave families a sausage sizzle while they waited. Salvos gave them coffee from their new coffee van.
“Bank of Queensland staff came on set-up day to help unload our massive trucks. Men from the swim club Turtles unloaded trucks.
“So many people just help out. Without them these families wouldn’t get what they get.“
Lorraine said over the years the demographic of people needing help had changed with an increased number now consisting of working poor, unable to make ends meet with rising rents, mortgages and costs of living.
“Every day my phone doesn’t stop from people asking, can you please help me?“ Lorraine said. “They’re not asking for material things, just asking for food.“
A lot of other people don’t ask for help, she said.
Santa’s Classy Helpers have already begun collecting for next Christmas.
If you can help them, email santaclassyhelpers@gmail.com
