It was a beautiful scene of organised chaos as more than 100 volunteers helped Santa’s Classy Helpers charity founder Lorraine Kenway prepare to open the doors of The J for their biggest event in 11 years.
With the generosity of their supporters, donors and local businesses, the charity was able to help 500 families with about 1200 children on Tuesday 4 December.
Each invitee was able to select a trolleys worth of food, goods and toys to help ease the burden that these families face at Christmas due to the rising prices of food, rent, electricity and fuel.
Lorraine said, “It’s amazing to see everyone come together because it’s much bigger this year.”
“We’ve got 100 extra families compared to the previous year who will come through. Our families just need help so badly. It’s gut-wrenching really that these people need so much help.
“We started at 6.45am this morning to an empty hall and everything’s been unpacked and set up like a warehouse and now we’re bagging fruit and vegetables.
“I want to thank our community and every single person who has donated to give these 500 families the Christmas that they wouldn’t have had.”
