In December 2022, having announced the recipients for 25 not-for-profits and local charities across Victoria through our FFV Community Grants, one payment was fast-tracked to bring some much-needed Christmas cheer.
Love In Action Wallan received $5,000 to hold their ‘Don’t Spend Christmas Alone’ event. The event ensures that people and families who are alone during Christmas have somewhere to go where they can enjoy a sense of community as well as holiday celebrations, good food and entertainment.
The not-for-profit group held their first Christmas event in 2021, on top of their usual business of gathering donations of food and essential items from community members to distribute to those doing it tough in the local community. Over 300 families use the service, and around Christmas time, a lot of people were saying they don’t look forward to Christmas because they are alone, and it can be a very tough time for families that are struggling with rising living costs.
The grant funding was to be used to engage food trucks, kids entertainment, and purchase presents for registered kids.
Sarah Brewer, from the Love In Action Wallan team, told us that the event was a great success and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended.
“We had more 100 people attend. Each was blessed with gifts, amazing food and ice cream, a petting zoo and a special visit from the main man, Santa himself. As volunteers, we get our family celebrations out of the way early and then spend the afternoon ensuring we can help those most at need and vulnerable to have a wonderful Christmas.”
One of the attendees spoke about the impact the day had on her and her family.
“Thank you to the Love In Action Wallan team and volunteers for making it a special Christmas for me and my girls. The smiles on their faces throughout the entire event were priceless. Thank you all for the hard work and effort that’s put into giving my family and other families a Christmas to remember.”
FFV is so pleased to be able to support a project like this for families and young people in Victoria.
