Shepparton community branches out like never before to support FamilyCare Christmas Gift Tree appeal

By Taylah Baker

Dec 20, 2023

This year’s Christmas Gift Tree initiative has been the largest yet, according to a FamilyCare employee of 10 years.

Every year, FamilyCare distributes trees to local businesses in Shepparton, each with tags representing specific genders and age groups.

Community members are encouraged to purchase a corresponding gift, which will then be distributed to local families in need.

Executive assistant to the director of service development Katie Huddleston described the community’s response to this year’s drive as overwhelming and brilliant.

“The community has been super supportive and generous, considering the cost of living is so high and things have been tough for so many people,” she said.

“People have been more generous than usual, and I think it’s because people have thought, well, it’s tough for me, so it’s tough for everyone, and they’ve made the extra effort to donate.”

**Spark joy:** FamilyCare executive officer David Tennant with Shepparton Fire Rescue Victoria members Mark Vallance, Glen Gamble, Andrew Brown and Luke Mifsud. Photo by Djembe Archibaldd

In addition to families, individuals, businesses, and services giving gifts, schools also asked to be involved.

Grahamvale Primary School contacted the FamilyCare team, and many students donated to the cause.

Ms Huddleston said it’s been a real collaboration of services, and the Chocolate Elf has been a massive supporter of the initiative.

“They’ve done their own drive on top of giving us advent calendars and chocolate stockings to distribute with the gifts,” she said.

This year, 280 families will receive presents from the appeal.

Large donations have recently been distributed to local services, including the Goulburn Orange Door and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, to give out over Christmas.

“It’s been so big that we’ve been able to share much wider than usual... we’ve really gone across the community,” Ms Huddleston said.

“On behalf of FamilyCare, we’d like to thank everyone who donated – it’s incredible.

“Our promise to everyone is to ensure the gifts get to those who need them in our local community – that aspect of the community helping its own community is very important to us.”