GIVIT donation of the week: Christmas wrapping supplies
The holidays are a challenging period for registered charities and support organisations across the ACT as nonprofit organisations have limited resources to ensure everyone has a happy festive season. One GIVIT registered organisation is working to ensure community members have access to gifts to put under the tree and the wrapping supplies that make a gift extra special. The organisation is hoping to offer complimentary Christmas supplies and even the odd Christmas ornament to bring the spirit of the season into some deserving homes. The organisation spends 365 days a year supporting clients who face extreme hardship such as financial instability, mental and physical illness, homelessness, domestic and family violence, and aged care members with little support. Unfortunately, COVID has only compounded these already challenging situations. GIVIT is reaching out to generous Canberrans to help spread the love this season by donating some Christmas essentials to bring a bit of sparkle to the lives of many. To donate, visit givit.org.au/whats-needed, search category ‘Household Items – Christmas Wrapping Supplies’, location ‘ACT’. After you pledge the item, you will be contacted by the relevant organisation to arrange pick-up, post or drop-off. GIVIT supports more than 400 charities and community groups across the Capital Region by matching your items with people who need them most.
Dragon boating open day
If you’ve ever wondered about dragon boating, the Canberra Ice Dragons Paddle club invite you to their open day on Saturday 4 December 11am-1pm at Commonwealth Place, Parkes (near the flags). A friendly dragon boat club with members ranging from students to seniors, the Ice Dragons crew paddle for fun, fitness, friendship and/or the drive to compete – there’s something for everyone! More info: icedragons.com.au or email [email protected]
German Market Day
Sunday 5 December 9am-1pm at Harmonie German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah. German wurst, schnitzels, cakes, breads, beer, wines, spirits, arts, crafts, vinyl records, live German band, dancing and more. Free entry, all welcome to a fun-filled family day. More info: 6295 9853.
Christ Church Hawker Christmas Fair
Christ Church combined Christmas fair/coffee/op shop on Saturday 4 December 9am-1pm, corner of Beetaloo Street and Belconnen Way, Hawker. On offer: Trash & Treasure, books, good pre-loved clothes (including lots of children’s clothes), cake stall, special Christmas gift baskets, a barbecue and children’s activities, including a jumping castle. Free tea/coffee and COVID-safe biscuits. More info: Jenny on 0428 266 658.
Dainere’s Rainbow Christmas performance
After two heartbreaking years of postponed and cancelled events, Dainere’s Rainbow are excited to announce that Andante Andante (ABBA) Choir and the Flamenco Centre of Canberra will hold a special awareness and fundraising Christmas performance on Saturday 4 December 3-4.30pm at Belconnen Fresh Food Markets. At the event, copies of the enchanting Anthony Christmas Bear book will be available to purchase; 100 per cent of all funds raised or donated will go directly to the world class childhood brain tumour research projects and programs set up in memory of Dainere Anthoney and support research by Associate Professor Ziegler and his team at Sydney Children’s Hospital Kids Cancer Centre. Gold Coin donation appreciated to bring hope to every child in Australia diagnosed with brain cancer.
Community garden open
Good Shepherd Community Church invites Canberrans to join them in their community garden. Come and potter, have a cuppa and, when produce is growing, you are welcome to take and enjoy. Open each Tuesday from 10am to 12 noon at the Church in Chisholm, corner Hambidge and Proctor Streets. More info: 0416 030 323.
Market Day @ St Ninian’s
The Market Day will resemble a Mini Fete, something for everyone, at St Ninian’s Uniting Church, corner Mouat and Brigalow Street, Lyneham, Saturday 11 December 9am-1pm. Barbecue and drinks; craft, including handmade items, fabric remnants, haberdashery; clothing; plants; treasures, including Lladro, Wedgewood, Royal Doulton ornaments, quality tableware, Christmas items, candles, etc.; White Elephant with kitchenware, sports equipment, kids’ toys; Country Kitchen with jams, pickles, sauces, fruit cakes; jewellery; and books.
Free pelvic floor workshops
Women of all ages are invited to attend this free pelvic floor workshop presented by a Physiotherapist from Canberra Health Services on Tuesday 7 December 1-4pm at Gungahlin Community Health Centre, 57 Ernest Cavanagh Street, Gungahlin. This workshop will provide information, education and self-help strategies for women who are experiencing continence problems or wishing to prevent them. The workshops will cover issues relating to: Bladder and bowel control/incontinence; Bladder and bowel prolapse; Concerns pre/post gynaecological surgery. Bookings are essential; contact the Community Heath Intake Team on 5124 9977.
Communities at Work Christmas Appeal
Thinking of holding a Giving Tree drive for gift, food or online donations to help people in need this Christmas? Or just want to donate an item? Communities at Work is inviting you to support its Christmas Appeal and bring some joy to those facing tough times. There are lots of different ways you can donate; visit www.commsatwork.org/christmas to find out more. Or, if you like the idea of Santa swinging past in a bright colourful bus to collect your donated goods, then register with Mix 106.3 for the ‘Pack The Bus’, hitting the roads from Monday 6 December for two weeks to collect gifts and essential food for the Communities at Work Christmas Appeal. To get involved and register to be a pickup location, head to mix106.com.au to find out more.
