Craft for a cause
The Community Services #1 (CS#1) Craft for Kindness seniors social group proudly made over 100 hand-knitted items for charity in 2019. The items, most knitted or crocheted, include soft toys, beanies, jumpers and blankets for those in need. The social group for over 65s meets every week for a hot drink, conversation and crafting for charities at Community Services #1 in Narrabundah. Amy Tulloh, operations director at CS#1, said they would be delighted to receive any donations of craft items or wool to help this group keep giving back. For more information or to join the group, contact CS#1 on 6126 4700 or visit communityservices1.org
Re-gift your unwanted presents
National charity GIVIT is calling for presents that didn’t ‘spark joy’ to be re-gifted to a family or household living in poverty and in need of festive cheer. GIVIT ACT manager, Caroline Odgers, said re-gifting through the online charity was an easy and rewarding way to find new homes for unsuitable gifts. “We understand that a lot of effort goes into gifting to the people you care about, which is why we’re encouraging a second chance for those gifts to be appreciated,” she said. “Whether your children received far too many toys, or you unwrapped yet another tech device or pair of plain socks, these can all be the gifts that keep on giving for someone in need.” Australians can donate or re-gift through the following steps: Visit givit.org.au/give-items; submit general details and photos of the items; once a charity reserves your item/s, contact details between you and the charity are provided to allow easy pick-up/drop-off options; organise delivery with the charity and make a big difference to someone in need!
Back to school appeal
Following the success of the inaugural Back to School Appeal in 2019, the ACT Government is again partnering with ACT community organisations and online charity GIVIT for the 2020 Appeal. This year, the community is being asked to donate items that are additional to the supports provided to every public school student in need. The 2020 Back to School Appeal will provide 1,000 packs and may include items such as water bottles, lunchboxes, shoes, socks, singlets and haircut vouchers. Canberrans can make a financial donation or drop off items at collection points across Canberra listed on the GIVIT website givit.org.au/items-needed
DonateLife Walk
Organisers are hoping for more than 5,000 walkers to participate in Gift of Life’s annual DonateLife Walk in Canberra, which this year will be held on Wednesday 26 February. The event raises awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation in saving lives and encourages people to sign on to the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR) and discuss their wishes with their families. Gift of Life’s DonateLife Walk 2020 is a free event starting from Rond Terrace, with participants gathering from 6.45am for a 7am start. Entries are now open via giftoflife.asn.au
More charity:
