COMMUNITY PROJECT - CHRISTMAS 4 KIDS

Hands of Hope, the community arm of Hope Church Brisbane, once again this Christmas season, have successfully put together its annual community event ‘Christmas for Kids’ (C4K) in the south-western suburbs of Brisbane with almost 1000 kids and 300 parents.

[Christmas 4 Kids Photos Website]

A fun-filled day for the community

This event is significant in giving a chance for every child and family from diverse and underprivileged backgrounds to experience the spirit of Christmas. Hands of Hope with 230 volunteers and the organising committee (also volunteers) had the opportunity to support the community with practical means. Completely non-commercialised and free of charge, kids from age 0-12 get to attend a fun-filled day and experience Christmas.



Santa, games, gifts, food for everyone

To participate, all the child needs to do is to register in order to be entitled a Christmas gift and a free giant hotdog lunch.

The children get to watch a variety of stage performances and participate in exciting games and activities from over 20 stalls ranging from obstacle courses, treasure hunts, tug of war to face painting, dance performances, and musical chairs to name a few. And of course, an opportunity to meet Santa as well as showcasing their talent with great prizes up for grabs!




Parents who attended the event with their children were overjoyed and commented on the rarity of community events for kids that are absolutely free of charge. It has also become a good opportunity for their family and friends to gather and enjoy Christmas together.

Generous giving by sponsors, politicians, local councils

This event was made possible as a generous total of over $42,000 was raised via fundraising efforts from volunteers.

Furthermore, with the help of sponsors from local businesses along with overwhelming personal donations from politicians, local councils, friends and colleagues and (of course) church members. The children and parents were blessed with a chance to experience the spirit of Christmas.



Interview with special guests

For C4K 2009, our major local sponsors include: Zen Hot Yoga, Plainland Pharmacy and Hope Church Brisbane. Furthermore, the event was honoured by the attendance of various dignitaries including:

• Lord Mayor Campbell Newman,
  
• Indigenous Australian Elder Uncle Albert Holt,
  
• Councillor Angela Owen-Taylor and Councillor Milton Dick.

The Honourable Lord Mayor, Mayor Campbell said:

“This event is different from others in that it is targeting families that are disadvantaged and that are going through difficult times. Christmas is a season where there are many commercialised messages targeting people to buy presents and therefore the more disadvantaged are usually shunned.” He also added that “events as such can help young people see others who need that support, practically do something about it and create a sense of personal responsibility, and a chance to empower young people to help the disadvantaged.”



Councillor Owen-Taylor said:

"I am impressed with the event and it sets a strong example for many young people in playing their part to make a difference in this community.”

Councillor Dick said:

“Many kids have came up to me weeks after the event in previous years to tell me how much they enjoyed it. It goes to show the great imprint that Christmas 4 Kids have left in the hearts of many children each year".

Reaching the community with love

Christmas 4 Kids started out as a way to reach out and influence the community and has indeed seen far-reaching impact on the lives of those within the region as reflected on the pure enjoyment and happiness on the faces of the children and adults alike.




Hands of Hope plans to continue holding Christmas 4 Kids again in 2010. We thank God for the continual favour He has given to us to build rapport with the local community as we prepare for the building of Unidus Community Centre in Willawong.


We wish to thank everyone who gave their time and resources so generously to make this event possible and also to God for His provision.

For more information about Christmas 4 Kids contact:

Lisa Toh (Christmas 4 Kids Coordinator)
Email: lisamtoh@gmail.com

www.c4k.net.au