CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS 2007
Caring for the community
‘Christmas 4 Kids’ is an annual project that provides members of Hope Brisbane an opportunity to GIVE in practical ways to bless the community with the tangible love of God. By putting on a Christmas party for children who may be from disadvantaged families, we are telling them that we care.
(Christmas 4 Kids Photos Website)
[Dr Wilson Lim (Chairman of Hands of Hope), Lisa Toh (Director of Christmas 4 Kids) with Campbell Newman (Lord Mayor of Brisbane)].
Over 1200 children
[Children receiving presents from Ronald Mac Donald]
This year ‘Christmas 4 Kids’ was held on Saturday 1st December 2007. There were over 1200 children attending this community event.
Each child received a decorative bag containing high quality Christmas presents, and were entertained with hours of stage entertainment, games and activities (which also had plenty of prizes on offer)! This event has grown from 250 children in 2003 to 1200 in 2007; largely by word of mouth!
[Over 1200 children at Christmas 4 Kids event]
The Christmas 4 Kids organising committee in 2007 was made up of 20 faithful volunteers. On the ground level, over 280 people from Hope Brisbane volunteered on the day, making Christmas 4 Kids event the most successful ever!
Special Guest of Honour – the Lord Mayor of 
This year, the Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Campbell Newman and his family attended this special event. It was our honour to have him with us! The Lord Mayor, Campbell Newman was so impressed with the event and our volunteers that he stayed longer than he was scheduled to!
[Dr Wilson Lim, Lisa Toh with Campbell Newman - Lord Mayor of Brisbane]
There were other regular distinguished guests attended ‘Christmas 4 Kids’ such as:
- Uncle Albert Holt (National Elder of the Year)
- Bernie Ripoll (Federal Member for Oxley)
- Annastacia Palaszczuk (State Member for Inala)
- Councillor Les Bryant (Richlands Ward Councillor)
Making an impact to the community
[Children playing games and rides at Christmas 4 Kids]
In our 5th year of holding Christmas 4 Kids in this community, we have been able to establish a good relationship, and earned the trust and respect of the community at large. ‘Hope Brisbane Christian Church’ and ‘Hands of Hope’ are becoming well known names amongst many households, businesses and services in the community. We believe God is using this event as a means to ‘soften the ground’ as we prepare to build our community centre in the heart of this community.
Sponsorship from local Businesses
As we have been faithful in giving this annual event our best efforts, God has been increasing the reach and dynamics of the event, through divine provision (sponsorship, finances, donations) and also favour with people in the community (the politicians, and members of the community). By God’s provision, we have been able to continue good relationships with our existing business supporters, as well as establish new ones. While event organisation is one the most challenging aspects in organising Christmas 4 Kids, God has been faithful to us.
The major business supporters for ‘Christmas 4 Kids’ in 2007 included McDonalds, Stomping Ground, World Class Creatives, KPMG accounting firm, as well as 10 other smaller businesses.
As a result of their generosity, donations (through cash and in kind) totalled to nearly $12,000. We continue to invest in our relationship with these businesses to ensure they are mutually beneficial relationships.
[Campell New volunteers - free food distribution table]
In addition, we saw increased generosity amongst church members, their friends, colleagues and family, as they sowed financially into this project! The donations amounted to over $14,000!
Praise God, and looking ahead!
[Free balloons for children and Hope Brisbane Dance team at stage]
We thank God for the privilege to be able to serve Him through this ministry! It is evident that God is using this event as a vehicle to sprinkle the hard ground of the community with His love in practical ways. All the successes and open doors leading up to this event and during the day itself are credited to God!
The 2008 organising is already gearing up for another great event next year! Do keep us in prayer as we continue to salt and bring light to our community!
Start your own Christmas 4 Kids?
[Lisa Toh & Doyin with Uncle Albert Holt - National Elder of the year]
We are in the process of developing “Christmas 4 Kids Manual” for churches and centres that may be interested in holding a similar project.
- If interested or for more information, please email us at
