Meli Giving Tree Appeal

13 Nov – 9 Dec

2026

Share the Kindness

Every Christmas, the Meli Giving Tree Appeal supports families and individuals receiving Meli services. as well as Wathaurong, Cultura and The Orange Door.

Donations are turned into gift cards, giving people the flexibility and dignity to choose what they need most during the holiday season.

While Christmas looks different for everyone, the holiday season can bring added pressure, financial stress and increased demand on household budgets.

By providing gift cards instead of predetermined gifts, we empower people to choose what they need most, whether that’s food, presents, fuel or everyday essentials.

Make a Donation

Your donation helps bring comfort, choice and practical support to families and individuals in our community during the holiday season.

Every contribution stays within our region and helps ensure people can access the things that matter most to them at this time of year.

Why It Matters

Each year, the Meli Giving Tree Appeal supports thousands of families and individuals through Meli’s services, as well as Wathaurong, Cultura and The Orange Door.

Together, we can help ensure more people experience connection, hope and a sense of belonging during the holiday season, whatever that looks like for them.

Share the Kindness. Make a difference this Christmas.

How your donation makes an impact

“One of the mums I work with, who has teenage children, shared how much it meant to receive gift cards through the Giving Tree appeal. She told me how difficult it can be to buy for teenagers, especially when money is tight. The gift cards gave her children the chance to choose something personal, something just for them. It gave them a sense of independence and joy, and for her, it was a huge relief to be able to offer that experience during a challenging time.”

Family violence case worker

Meli

“A mother I support was really dreading Christmas. She felt overwhelmed and worried that she had nothing to offer her children and that the holidays would only highlight the hardship they’d been through. When she received support through the Giving Tree Appeal, it completely shifted the mood in her home. Her children were excited, and she felt a sense of hope and connection. It reminded her that people care, and that she wasn’t alone.”

Family violence case worker

Meli

One of my clients who received a voucher stated that she was so thankful as she was able to ensure they had enough food to eat on Christmas Day. Another one of my clients expressed her appreciation as she was able to use the vouchers to pay off her layby at Kmart to get the rest of the toys for Christmas.

Child & Family Practitioner

Restoring

I found the gift vouchers incredibly helpful for my clients, who expressed the generosity changed their Christmas. One client said it was ‘so helpful’ to her and the seven children that she cares for at any one time, and another client said the voucher helped them not ‘go without’ this holiday period.

As a FV worker, I’m noting that finances are an increasing stressor to families, and the Giving Tree appeal is an amazing way to help relieve the pressure during a time that’s both financially difficult and can be incredibly unsafe.

Family Safety Contact Worker

My client said that ‘it will come in handy to get groceries and treats for the kids over the holidays!’

Children’s Counsellor

Take the Kindness Challenge

Introducing the Christmas Kindness Challenge. Rally your workplace, team, club or community group and fundraise for the appeal.

Who will be our biggest fundraiser this year? Join the challenge and compete for shout-outs, prizes, and of course the ultimate reward of bringing hope, dignity, and joy to people who need it most.