This holiday season, SunnyKids is asking the Sunshine Coast community to rethink what Christmas means for children impacted by domestic and family violence.
Through the Sunny Christmas for Kids Appeal 2024, SunnyKids aims to provide support that extends far beyond the festive season, offering hope and healing for children in crisis.
SunnyKids chief executive officer Kathleen Hope said, “For many children in our care, Christmas is not at time of joy and celebration.”
“Instead, it’s a painful reminder of what they don’t have – the gifts they won’t receive, and the brokenness in their homes. Christmas can feel like just another day, marked by fear, confusion and a stark awareness of their difficult reality.”
Sadly, for too many children, Christmas highlights in trauma they face year-round. The holiday period can be especially difficult, as children trapped in cycles of abuse experience heightened stress and instability.
“Christmas for these children is complex, messy, and completely out of their control,” Ms Hope said.
“They are caught in a cycle of abuse and trauma. For them, the holiday season is a time of heightened fear, and their need for support doesn’t end when the decorations come down.”
With over 500 reported incidents of domestic and family violence in Queensland every day, SunnyKids sees the effects of this crisis firsthand. The demand for services continues to rise, and the charity works tirelessly to offer children a social and emotional safety net.
“We know that to break cycles of violence, we must provide consistent, long-term support,” Hope said.
“Band-aid solutions aren’t enough. These children need help every day of the year to rebuild their lives.”
SunnyKids is calling on the Sunshine Coast community to contribute to its Christmas Appeal, which helps provide vital support for children and families affected by domestic violence. This includes counselling, medical care, food, clothing, educational support, and expert safety planning.
“This Christmas period is one of the most dangerous times of the year for families facing domestic violence,” Ms Hope said.
“We’ll be inundated with calls for help, and every child and family we assist will need our support long into the future.”
SunnyKids is asking for donations to help provide for the year ahead. With your support, they can ensure these children receive the wraparound care they need to heal and grow.
Donate today to give the gift of a brighter future: sunny-xmas-for-kids-2025.raiselysite.com/
For as little as $50 a month, or a one-time gift of $600, you can help a child impacted by domestic violence get the support they need now and throughout 2024.
