Children at local Meli kindergartens are calling on the community to be kind this Christmas in support of the annual Giving Tree Appeal which launches on Friday.
Children at Meli’s network of 30 kindergartens across the Barwon and Colac regions have decorated almost 3,000 paper hearts as part of the Hearts of Kindness exhibition. The decorated paper hearts show what kindness means to them.
The exhibition is on display at Geelong Regional Library Corporation libraries, including Colac Regional Library and Learning Centre and Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre.
The Geelong Giving Tree Appeal, coordinated by Meli in partnership with The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre, raises funds for those facing hardship during Christmas. Colac Otway children, families and individuals who receive support through Meli will benefit from the Appeal.
Meli CEO Grant Boyd encouraged the local community to consider donating to those in need of a helping hand during the festive season.
“As the cost-of-living crisis continues, we know that many in our community find Christmas a challenging time that is often overshadowed by financial strain,” Mr Boyd said.
“By donating to the Appeal, you could help a family afford presents for their children or ensure that they can enjoy a Christmas meal together.
“It really is about giving the gift of kindness and it’s been wonderful to see children across our kindergartens reflect on the value of kindness through their paper heart creations.”
The Geelong Giving Tree Appeal is now in its 23rd year and last year brought Christmas joy in the form of e-gift cards to more than 3,600 families and individuals across the region.
The Appeal runs until 10 December and donations can be made at geelonggivingtree.com.au.
Thank you to our Supporters
The Giving Tree Appeal is made possible by the generous support of local partners, whose contributions help make Christmas brighter for many:
- Platinum Partner: Anthony Costa Foundation
- Gold Partners: City of Greater Geelong, Cleanaway and Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
- Silver Partners: APCO Foundation, GMHBA, The Paddock, Denis Walter Carols by the Bay, West Carr & Harvey
- Media Partners: Bay 93.9 and Times News Group
- Hearts of Kindness Partners: Goodway, Officeworks Geelong
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