TCI Giving Tree 2020 … time to feel loving and giving, people!

It's that time of year again! Christmas is about generosity and love and family fun—we'd love your help to make it special for those less fortunate in our community.

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For many of us, Christmas means love. Happiness. Connection. Too much pudding, the last-minute run for batteries, children's faces. Family.

While the world has changed this holiday season, what remains the same is that not everyone has the same sparkly, joyous experience. For some of our most vulnerable or less fortunate people, it can be a difficult and lonely time.

Every year, there is an increase of homelessness, poverty and hardship for many Australians. COVID and lockdown have put financial pressure on a lot of people, including children whose home life means poverty. As we do every Christmas at TCI, we want to recognise and help them.

Christmas for us is an opportunity to really give back to the world in practical ways, and touch the hearts of those who need it most.

At TCI HQ in Melbourne, we've just set up our Giving Tree for Christmas—yes, the Christmas carols were blaring and there may have been Santa hats!—and invite all students and members of the community to donate a gift that will make someone's Christmas that little bit extra special.

In 2020, we are extending our Christmas cheer to one amazing charity, Restoring Hope, which supports children and young adults impacted by sexual abuse.

Here's how you can join us and be a part of our Christmas mission this year:

How to make a donation:

You can deliver a gift by chimney drop (aka up the stairs to the TCI Giving Tree). Call us first so we can plan the drop offs according to COVID-19 restrictions.

Or you can contribute via Santa’s sleigh, aka this donation form. TCI will match the dollar values of any and all donations to Restoring Hope.

We know it's a busy time, but make sure to drop or send your gifts before Friday December 18 at 5pm so that all the gifts will make it to Restoring Hope in time for Christmas!

WHAT TO DONATE

ART THERAPY APPEAL

Help Restoring Hope make a difference in the healing journey of children and young adults affected by sexual assault. Your gift may be the only one a child receives this year so please make it something new.

• Water colour paints • Crayola Crayons or Pens • Children’s Craft Scissors • Glitter • Games eg snakes and ladders, uno etc • Kinetic Sand (Magic sand) • Easels • Sticker Books • Frames • Art Smocks • Icy pole sticks • Paint Brushes • Dry pastels • Drawing pads • Play Doh • Craft boxes • Craft glue • Stickers • Mirrors • Woodcraft • Felt

CRISIS CARE PACKS

Restoring Hope is creating 'Crisis Care Packs' for children and young people who have been sexually abused, to be given to them in moments of crisis—for example, being forced to leave a dangerous home environment or attending a hospital crisis centre for initial forensic testing after an incident of abuse.

For gift card donations to contribute towards the packs, please click here.

As always, we thank you for your support of TCI and our incredible community this year, and for giving here to Restoring Hope, a charity which supports vulnerable children and young people.

Have a wonderful Christmas with your nearest and dearest, safe holidays and see you in 2021. Lots of love to all.