MP KIM Richards has called on Redland residents to donate to the Kids in Care Christmas gift drive.
Ms Richards said the project aimed to give every child in care an extra gift under the Christmas tree this year.
“I’d like to challenge everyone who can in Redlands to donate to this appeal and show Queensland what the Redlands spirit is all about,” she said.
“I know locals are incredibly generous and if you can afford an extra gift this festive season it is a fantastic way to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to kids in care.”
Child Safety Minister Di Farmer said more than 9600 children in Queensland could no longer live safely at home with their own families.
“Our foster and kinship carers do an amazing job making sure these children are loved, safe and part of a family but this appeal is a way to show these children that the rest of Queensland cares for them and supports them,” she said.
“We need a whole range of presents for both boys and girls, from newborns to children aged 17 valued at about $20.
“Things like toys, gift cards, sporting equipment, board games, clothes, books or anything your own children, nieces, nephews and friends would like to receive.”
Ms Farmer said the state government would partner with national organisation GIVIT to collect and deliver donated gifts.
“We have been partnering with GIVIT for a number of years on this appeal and they do a wonderful job helping to promote, source and distribute these much-needed gifts,” she said.
“Road Boss Rally Cars have also put their hand up again to help collect and deliver the gifts to locations across the state, including to regional areas of Queensland.”
GIVIT chief executive officer and founder Juliette Wright said it was a chance for big-hearted Queenslanders to spread some Christmas cheer to children living in care across all corners of the state.
“It’s tough not being with your own family at Christmas and kids in foster care find themselves in this situation for a variety of unfortunate reasons,” she said.
“As a Secret Santa you can make a child feel special and supported this Christmas.
“Through GIVIT you can donate items all year round but this is a very special campaign to make sure children living in care, whether that be in remote, regional or urban areas, have an extra something in their stocking this Christmas.’’
For more information about the Kids in Care donation drive visit qld.gov.au/bringasmiletoachild.
