09/12/2025
Me as a busy Mum rushing through trying to neaten and sort toys into categories as well as ages. Barbie, Bluey, LEGO, Plush Toys 🧸, crafts, outdoor toys, jigsaws, books, vouchers. So much!! All I can say is it takes Mums to sort, neaten and provide the look of death(namely me) as time is running short to set up, Dads to bring the humour (the men of our club are good at that), partners and friends to provide the sustenance for the day and get ready for hugs & tears. A massive shoutout to everyone who donated gifts.
You made lots a families Christmases.
As I wrote to one participant. A Mum came in with a voucher & asked how it worked. I said "Here is a gift bag, two toys per child and pretend you're shopping at Kmart or Target." When I found out she hadn't included her little girl on the voucher because she wasn't at school I gave the little girl a candy cane and told her to go Christmas shopping with her Mum.
Her eyeballs almost exploded and when she was told she could take two she said "No, I'll only take one and leave some for the other kids."
We had over 300 children this year. Nearly 100 families. We actually handed out 300 vouchers for 300 families (please never think you’re alone) We had Dads crying, Mums crying and me explaining to little kids that today was a day of organising Christmas gifts that the bikers and Mum & Dad's friends had helped get for Christmas. Some children even brought their bags up asking if they could please pay for them.
Many families lined up and we were there until after 5pm. Many of them all realised they were all in the same boat and pride didn't need to be an issue.
Thank you Everyone. You've truly made a big difference for so many families that would have missed out.
We received this from a parent (I have removed certain things put in because it was quite personal for them) and it will show you the difference you have made.
"Hi there, This morning I felt sick and had bad anxiety because I've never struggled to provide for my kids until recently .....and barely cover rent.... I'm not sure if you were one of the people I spoke to today. I felt embarrassed having to get help but can I just say i can't thank everyone enough for instantly easing my anxiety and making me feel like it was ok that I was getting some assistance. All super friendly and didn't make me feel small. Anyway I just wanted to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the effort of you guys and the community to make sure kids don't go without this Christmas, it has definitely eased the stress❤️"
As mentioned, some things have been removed for that person's privacy but there were so many similar situations, including job losses.
Thank you all once again.
Jason, Samantha & Trust No One SMC