General News
12 October, 2022
Generosity ushers in the Christmas spirit
CHILDREN from around the world will receive gifts this Christmas in part thanks to the generosity of south west parishioners.
CHILDREN from around the world will receive gifts this Christmas in part thanks to the generosity of south west parishioners.
Tables at the All-Saints Anglican Church in Terang were lined with a range of donated goods from across the region on Sunday, with a cohort of volunteers on hand to pack shoeboxes full for those who need it most as part of Operation Christmas Child.
Operation Christmas Child volunteer area co-ordinator Samantha Milne said churches from across the region including Terang, Noorat, Camperdown, Cobden and Timboon had all been part of the initiative.
“This effort is part of Samaritan’s Purse, a non-denominational Christian group, providing international relief around-the-world including emergency help, shoeboxes, water and sanitation,” she said.
“Each shoebox goes to one child in each community, pre-made for age groups of two to four, five to nine and 10 to 14.
“The shoeboxes are filled with objects including hygienic products, clothing, stationary items for education, and something to love and care for.
“These shoeboxes, from our area, go to nations like Cambodia, Madagascar, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Ukraine.”
The volunteers received an additional boost this year thanks to a $2000 donation from the Terang Community Op-Shop and a donation of clothing from the Panmure Country Women’s Association as well as other groups.
Terang’s Julie Pomeroy, who was among those packing boxes with care on Sunday, thanked all those who had supported the initiative.
“These boxes are going overseas to countries whose residents need it,” she said.
“A big thanks to all who donated to allow these children to receive a gift.
“They will know someone is thinking of them from the other side of the world.”
Ms Milne said it was “amazing” to see the community rally behind the cause at a time of global uncertainty during the COVID pandemic.
“Seeing communities wanting to come together and give to others, and realise each box is full of love and going to someone in the world who needs it,” she said.
“We see all the heartbreak in the world from war to environmental disasters, so to do a box that is going to a child, to let them know someone loves them, is amazing.
“In 2021, there was 10.5 million shoeboxes donated to children around the world and Australia provided around 230,000 of that.
“Each shoebox requires a $10 donation for shipping; last year shipping to Madagascar should have cost $27,000 but it cost $113,000 for one container.”
Those wishing to learn more or donate can visit operationchristmaschild.org.au.