By Margaret Maccoll
Santa’s Classy Helpers are embarking on a challenging year to raise about $80,000-$100,000 to make Christmas a happy occasion for about 300 Noosa families who are struggling financially.
“We need people to come up with big ideas to make money,” organiser Lorraine Kenway last week told the group of supporters who met for afternoon tea at Padstows Noosa. Each month they meet to discuss fundraising and bring along suggested items to add toward their Christmas hampers.
Last Christmas Santa’s Classy Helpers donated their left over items to United Synergies who distributed them to 50 extra families in need on the Sunshine Coast.
Natalie Clarke from United Synergies told the group how much their Christmas gifts meant to them.
She said the kindness of receiving the items caused one women aged in her 50s with mental and physical health issues who had previously struggled with suicidal thoughts at Christmas to not have them last Christmas.
“She could not believe someone who doesn’t know could provide that for her,” she said.
Another man with twin sons living in a caravan park just wanted a gift for his children but were “absolutely amazed to be presented with twin bicycles and a hamper”. “It was priceless to see their faces,” she said.
If you would like to help Santa’s Classy Helpers call Lorraine on 5449 7599.
