By Mikayla van Loon
For families living without a home in the Yarra Ranges community, a simple celebration of Christmas hosted by Anchor on Friday 9 December brought a little bit of cheer and happiness.
The event brought together families with children as young as a few months old to teenagers currently living in social or transitional housing.
While every family had a different story, all were grateful for the love, support and generosity shown by Anchor.
With bauble making, letter writing to Santa, a photobooth, face painting, balloon making, present giving and a special visit from Lilydale CFA with a man in a big red suit, smiles were seen on many a face.
Having received donated gifts from the Rotary Club of Lilydale on Thursday 8 December, Anchor staff members were able to wrap each gift ready for handing out to the children on Friday.
Homeless services manager Peter Dinsdale said every year Anchor’s staff throws a Christmas celebration for their clients, one of the only homelessness services to do so in the outer east.
“It’s true these days for a lot of families, a lot of will really sacrifice to buy presents but it can be at the cost of paying rent and other things, particularly these days with the cost of living so high and to be able to alleviate that for them and you can see all the kids together and have a party together,” he said.
Anchor is looking to raise $50,000 to help families with essential items particularly coming into Christmas and the new year. To support, go to give.anchor.org.au
