Friends with Dignity Toy Drive - The Drive to Keep Christmas Alive

Friends with Dignity Toy Drive

The Drive to Keep Christmas Alive

Christmas is just around the corner, and while most of us will be choosing gifts for our nearest and dearest, many families will not be so fortunate.

The festive season is often the most difficult time of the year for men, women and children affected by domestic violence.

Nationwide domestic violence support charity, Friends with Dignity is doing all it can to help create a brighter Christmas for victims of domestic violence by holding its annual Christmas Toy Drive.

The Toy Drive was born after the not-for-profit organisation realised a need to provide some happiness, and a sense of normality to families in refuge at what is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year.

Friends with Dignity is asking the public to donate new and unwrapped toys for children (0-18 years old), and pamper items for parents.

All gifts are welcome, from fishing rods and rugby balls, to magazines and make up.

“People are so generous. I remember in our first year, there were two teenage boys in refuge and all the toys delivered were more for young children,” said Friends with Dignity Co-Director and Chief Financial Officer, Julia McKenna

“One donor wanted to do something special, so we found out that the boys loved fishing. So this lovely family went and bought not only fishing rods, but full tackle boxes too.

“The support workers were crying with happiness to be able to provide these to the boys' parents.”

The annual Friends with Dignity Toy Drive is in its third consecutive year, and continues to grow not only by the number of gifts donated each year, but also drop-off locations around Australia.

“In our first year, we covered refuges in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.  This has now grown to assist those in refuges in places like Kingaroy, Newcastle, Sydney and Melbourne,” said Ms McKenna.

“This year we are gathering all our volunteers into central locations to collate all the toys, and then distribute them, according to the needs of each refuge/agency. 

“Each refuge/agency registers for the Drive with us, and gives us a general break down of ages and genders of the children and parents. 

“We try and provide a larger toy, smaller toy and craft item to each child, depending on the amount of donations we receive.  Plus also something for Mum and/or Dad, to put a smile on their faces, too.”

Members of the community are also encouraged to host a workplace drive to collect toys and gifts with colleagues. 

“Please remember all gifts are to be UNWRAPPED!  Wrapping paper, sticky tape and scissors are also donated to allow the parent to choose an appropriate gift for their child, and provide them the dignity of wrapping the present on Christmas Eve,” said Ms McKenna.

All unwrapped gifts are to be dropped off to one of the drop-off locations by no later than the 10^th of December, 2017.

For a full list of drop-off locations, visit http://www.friendswithdignity.org.au/2017-christmas-toy-drive or contact drives@friendswithdignity.org.au.

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