15 NOV 2024
The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) today launched our annual Christmas Appeal, asking all Victorians to dig deep this festive season to ensure Aboriginal children and families experience a magical Christmas.
Each year, VACCA provides over 3,500 presents for Aboriginal children across the state to open on Christmas Day. In the lead up to Christmas, we are calling on individuals, businesses, and sector partners to help us raise funds to provide gifts and essential supports for Aboriginal families in need.
“Christmas is such a special time for our families. It’s often the only opportunity for the whole family to come together over a special meal,” said VACCA CEO Muriel Bamblett. “I’m asking all of our supporters to help us ensure that no that child misses out this year.”
Funds raised during our Christmas Appeal provides support to children and families like Taleah's. A young mum supported by VACCA’s Koorie Kids Playgroup, Taleah is looking forward this Christmas with her daughter Lily and partner Caleb.
After taking on caring duties for Caleb's aunt, Taleah and Caleb’s savings won’t stretch to include presents under the tree. With the extra support provided by our Christmas Appeal, VACCA can help Taleah and her family to enjoy a special Christmas together, filled with magic.
For families already in need of support from VACCA’s programs, there can be a lot of pressure at this time of year to ensure there’s food for a special meal as well as presents for the children.
“When you support our Christmas Appeal, you’re helping us to bring the magic of Christmas to children, and some relief to the parents, carers and families who are already doing it tough,” said Ms Bamblett.
You can support VACCA’s Christmas Appeal in the following ways:
1. Make a donation at vacca.org/donate
2. Register to fundraise with your workplace, school or group at vacca.org/xmas
3. 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 magical Christmas for Aboriginal children in care.
- ENDS -
FOR RELEASE –
Beth Cesarin - Senior Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
PH: 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 and Community Agency (VACCA) is Victoria’s Peak Voice for Aboriginal children. We are the leading provider of Aboriginal child and family services, 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 47 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 80 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.