OzHarvest Christmas Appeal
Following what has been a difficult year for many, Woolworths across the ACT is encouraging customers to give back to people in need through its annual OzHarvest Christmas Appeal, with this year’s goal to raise $3 million which will provide six million meals to Aussies in need. Until 24 December, customers at Woolworths stores in Canberra and Queanbeyan who spend over $30 at the self-checkout will have the option to donate to the appeal by rounding-up the cost of their shop to the nearest dollar. Customers can also choose to make a 50-cent donation, with each donation helping to provide one nutritious meal to a person in need. Also, 50 cents from every packet of limited-edition Woolworths Santa cookies will go to OzHarvest. Woolworths has partnered with OzHarvest since 2008 to help reduce food waste by providing surplus fresh food from their supermarkets to Aussies who would otherwise go without.
GIVIT donation of the week: new toiletries
This year has seen an exponential rise in domestic and family violence cases across the nation, including right here in the ACT. Support services that assist men, women and children escaping domestic and family violence have been stretched to capacity to take care of the rise in demand for their services. One of the most requested items from these registered charitable organisations are new toiletries, as most often those fleeing unsafe situations leave home with only the clothes on their backs. Having access to toiletries brings a sense of comfort, dignity and calm, which is a necessity for everyone, especially those experiencing this overwhelming trauma. The most needed items include feminine hygiene products, shampoo, conditioner, body wash/soap, sunscreen and deodorant. Toiletries can be in full or travel size quantities and must be unopened for health and safety reason. Any donations that can be made to support these courageous families and individuals will be greatly appreciated. Donations can collected by/posted to the organisation. To donate, visit givit.org.au/donate-items, search by category “Toiletries” in your local area to view the organisation’s requests. 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 350 charities and community groups across the Capital Region by matching your items with people who need them most.
Diversity ACT Christmas Soiree
Diversity ACT Community Services, an LGBTIQ+ support service and registered charity, invites the Canberra community to their second annual Christmas Soiree. Located in Kambah, the organisation is community based and volunteer run, providing a service hub, social worker, support networks, groups and community resources to assist the LGBTIQ+ community of South Canberra and the broader ACT region. The Christmas Soiree is on Sunday 20 December 4.30-8pm at Diversity ACT Community Hub in Kambah. BYO picnic or make a purchase from the barbecue. Soft drinks will be available for purchase. BYOG. Tickets are available for a donation via eventbrite.com [eventbrite.com/e/diversityact-christmas-soiree-tickets-131002374629]
Family Drug Support seeks volunteers
Family Drug Support (FDS) are seeking volunteers in the Canberra region to help families and friends supporting someone with problematic alcohol or other drug use. If you are empathetic, a great listener, non-judgemental, and can provide a few hours every three weeks to take calls from home, they would love to hear from you. FDS are running a two-day training course in Canberra on 30-31 January 2021. If you would like to attend, please submit an expression of interest online at fds.org.au/volunteering-for-fds
Explore Christmas reimagined!
Tuggeranong Uniting Church (Comrie Street, Wanniassa) will host an interactive Christmas event on Sunday 20 December 5.30-8.30pm. The community is invited to join them in the family-friendly event featuring: petting zoo with a living nativity; market stalls from local artisans; free barbecue and a Christmas-themed café; live music from the band and angel choir; festive light displays; story-telling; Christmas crafts for you to make; Blue Christmas Room for you to remember that special person; Christmas gift bags. Covid-safe protocols apply.
A Pooch Affair: Xmas Doggie Day Out
Come and do your Christmas shopping for your pooch whilst having an awesome doggie day out with your furry friend on Saturday 19 December 9am-3pm in the Mallee Pavilion and Drover’s Square, Exhibition Park in Canberra. Free entry. Shop at the Doggie Retail Mall, relax at the shaded Outdoor Cafe, get your pooch spruced up at the mobile dog wash then grab a festive photo from one of the many photo opportunities supporting RSPCA ACT. Outdoors, you can enjoy watching local Canberra dog clubs demonstrating their fun dog sports. Dogs must be on leads at all times. This is a Covid-safe event. More info: call 0410 544 069.
Braidwood Book Fair
Attention book worms! Save the date: the ever-popular Braidwood Book Fair will be larger than ever and held over 10 days from Friday 22 to Sunday 31 January 2021. Open 9am to 4pm daily. Always great value and plenty of terrific and sometimes rare finds. Donations welcome: email [email protected] or call 0418 291 141.
Endometriosis awareness
EndoACT Pty Ltd is a Canberra-based charity that raises awareness of endometriosis. Visit EndoACT.org.au to join the mailing list; or if you have, or suspect you have, endometriosis, you’re invited to join the EndoACT (Private Discussions) facebook page: facebook.com/groups/3187114547978256/
Australian Women’s Health Diary
Give a gift that is truly special by buying the 2021 Australian Women’s Health Diary. Not only will you be giving a gift which can help improve general health and wellbeing, you’ll be supporting research to save lives from breast cancer. That is because every diary sold funds breast cancer trials research to identify new and effective breast cancer treatments and prevention. Priced at $18.95; available nationally from newsagents, Woolworths, participating Post Offices and online at womenshealthdiary.com.au
