Aaron Violi (Casey, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

With Christmas fast approaching, many locals are worried about how they will put presents under the tree and food on the table. I am proud to be working with the Rotary Club of Lilydale to once again launch their Christmas gift wishing tree appeal. My office is a drop-off point to donate toys and gifts to make Christmas a little brighter for families. Rotary works alongside Yarra Ranges police and Anchor Community Care to distribute gifts to vulnerable families, including those in foster care and kinship care. These gifts are often the only presents these children will receive. So, if you can, please give a Christmas gift to a child in our local community.

This Christmas, I'm working with local homelessness organisation Holy Fools to help them reach their goal of 150 hampers for families in need. These food hampers are not just about food; it's about the nourishment of knowing someone cares about them. There is a shopping list of items on the Holy Fools website which includes things like long-life milk, custard, coffee, tea and Christmas cakes. If you're able to add a few extra items to your shopping trolley, they can be dropped off at my office or in the purple bins around our community. Let's work together to ensure no-one goes without this Christmas.