13 NOVEMBER 2023
Today’s launch of the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency’s (VACCA) annual Christmas Appeal asks all Victorians to dig deep to give Aboriginal children and families a joyful Christmas.
Each year, VACCA provides over 3,500 presents for Aboriginal children in out of home care and in our programs to open on Christmas Day. This year we are calling on individuals, businesses, and sector partners to help us raise funds to provide gifts and essential supports to Aboriginal families in need this Christmas.
“Christmas is such a special time and I’m asking all our supporters to please dig deep. Our goal is to make sure that no that child misses out this year,” said Muriel Bamblett, VACCA CEO.
Our Christmas Appeal provides support to children and families like Mel’s. A young mum supported by VACCA’s Nugel program, Mel is looking forward this Christmas with her two daughters, 7-year-old Shanae and 9-year-old Kiara, who are returning to her permanent care.
Mel worries she won’t be able buy presents for her girls as her savings have been eaten away by rent increases and cost-of-living spikes. With the extra support provided by our Christmas Appeal VACCA can help Mel and her family to enjoy a special Christmas together, filled with joy.
For the children and families VACCA works with, Christmas is sometimes the only opportunity each year for the whole family to get together, celebrate culture, and connect over a special meal.
For families already in need of our support there can be a lot of pressure to afford Christmas lunch for the whole family, as well as presents for the children. “This year, we’re asking if you can help VACCA to make Christmas special,” Ms Bamblett said. “When you support our Christmas Appeal, you’re helping us to bring joy to children in out of home care, and some relief to the carers and families who are doing it tough.”
You can support VACCA’s Christmas Appeal in the following ways:
- Make a donation at vacca.org/Christmas
- Register to fundraise with your workplace, school or group at vacca.org/XMAS
- Donate NEW toys to VACCA offices in Preston, Werribee, Melton, Frankston, Dandenong, Chirnside Park, Morwell, Wangaratta or Wodonga.
VACCA asks that toys be dropped off as early as possible so they can reach Aboriginal children before Christmas Day.
Please email supportus@vacca.org for further information.
With the support of community, sector partners and organisations, we know we can make this a special Christmas for Aboriginal children in care.
- ENDS -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 13 Nov 2023
Beth Cesarin – Senior Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
T: 0439 117 408 / E: bethc@vacca.org
Sarah Gafforini – Director, Office of the CEO VACCA
T: 0427 621 421 / E: sarahg@vacca.org
ABOUT VACCA - www.vacca.org
The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) is the State’s leading Aboriginal child and family services organisation, and the largest provider of services for Aboriginal family violence and homelessness. We have been supporting children, young people and families in the community for over 45 years, as an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO).
Through our vision of self-determination – Live, Experience, and Be – we exist to support culturally strong, safe and thriving Aboriginal communities. We deliver over 70 programs across Victoria including child and family services, family violence, support for stolen generations, child protection, cultural strengthening programs, mental health, financial services, justice and redress support, early years and homelessness services.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we work. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present, and to their children and young people who are the future elders and caretakers of this great land.