The Rotary Club of Lilydale is preparing for its fifth year of their Wishing Tree Project, an initiative that brings joy and support to families in the Yarra Ranges during the Christmas season.
What began as a small community effort has grown steadily, with contributions from local families, businesses, and organisations to make a real difference for those doing it tough.
Anchor and the Proactive Policing Unit are involved in the Wishing Tree Project as they both work closely with vulnerable families, including those in foster care, transitional housing, or experiencing homelessness.
Many of these families are not connected to government services, which makes them a “hidden” group the police are aware of and can reach.
Partnering in the appeal not only helps ensure gifts reach those in need, but also strengthens relationships between police and the community.
One of the club’s project coordinator, Gerry van Horick said partnering in the appeal not only helps ensure gifts reach those in need, but also strengthens relationships between police and the community.
“Giving gifts can break down barriers, reduce stigma, and make children and families more receptive to positive interactions with officers, which supports both community connection and policing efforts,” Mr Van Horick said.
Mr van Horick has watched the project expand over the years.
He said the impact of both contributors and recipients has been profound.
“It just grows every year, and it’s just amazing the generosity of people,” he said.
“Keeping the project within the Yarra Ranges is a priority, as it ensures donors know their gifts are benefiting families close to home.”
Anne van Horick, a project coordinator at Rotary, described the impact of the Wishing Tree Project as immense over the years.
“The stories and the reactions we see year after year keep us going,” she said.
For the families receiving the gifts, the Wishing Tree Project can be life-changing.
Anchor’s case manager, Claire Calle said the initiative allows the organisation to give back in a meaningful way.
“Having one of our rooms full of presents is just so amazing. We don’t get a lot of funding from the government, so to be able to provide gifts and presents is pretty special,” she said.
Anchor supports families in crisis, including those in motel accommodation or transitional properties, where parents often struggle to provide gifts for their children. The arrival of Wishing Tree gifts brings both relief and joy.
Ms Calle described the reactions of families when gifts are delivered as “shocked” and “overwhelmingly grateful.”
She recalled a client who cried with emotion, saying she had never been able to provide so much for her children.
“Moments like these “give you goosebumps” and underscore the importance of the program,” she said.
Vouchers are also an essential part of the project, particularly for older children, it allows young people in the 14 to 18 age group to choose something meaningful for themselves.
The Wishing Tree Project also offers a unique opportunity for positive engagement between local police and the community.
Leading Senior Constable Luke Egginton, from the Lilydale Proactive Policing Unit said the project allows children and families to see a different side of police work.
“For many young people, interactions with police can sometimes be challenging or negative. The Wishing Tree Project offers a chance for children and families to connect with police in a positive and meaningful way,” he said.
A first-year member of Rotary and Youth Chair, Simon Tirchett shared his enthusiasm for joining the project.
“Even though I haven’t participated in a Wishing Tree yet, just hearing the passion that Gerry and Anne have is infectious. It’s such a feel-good program,” he said.
Mr Tirchett who has three grown sons and strong ties to the community, was drawn to Rotary because of his desire to engage with young people and give back to the area he loves.
“It’s being present in that human space, rather than the gifts necessarily, that really attracts me to this role and this program,” he said.
Lilydale Rotary Club president, Cheryl Mackay said the project has grown beyond simply providing gifts.
“We try to make it as inclusive as possible. Everyone who contributes can see the impact, and it helps bring the community together,” she said.
“Contributions from businesses and families ensure children experience the joy of Christmas, while parents feel supported and relieved from the stress of not being able to provide for their children.”
The Wishing Tree Project continues to thrive because of the collaboration between Rotary, Anchor, Victoria Police, and generous local contributors.
The list started with just 14 businesses, but it’s grown to over 30 across Lilydale and surrounding suburbs and more are still jumping on board to help.
For those who prefer to drop off a gift in person, bright red donation boxes can be found at a wide range of locations across the Yarra Ranges.
Gifts can be dropped off at the electorate offices of Aaron Violi at 110 Main Street, Lilydale, and Bridget Vallence at 143 Main Street, Lilydale, as well as at CIRE hubs in Chirnside Park, Lilydale, and Yarra Junction. Community Bank branches in Mooroolbark and Mount Evelyn, the Eastern Regional Library at the Lilydale Lakeside Campus, and local businesses including Emerald Family Dental Care, Fully Promoted in Glen Waverley and Kilsyth, Genesis Health and Fitness, Jellis Craig Lilydale, Johnstone and Reimer Lawyers, Lilydale Heights College, Lilydale Marketplace Shopping Centre, Monbulk Family Dental Care, Physica Yarra Valley, The Mothers Club Shield Bowling Team, and The Running Company are also participating.
Rotary Club of Lilydale also extends its gratitude to several other organisations for their support, including Children’s House of Early Learning in Mt Evelyn and Boronia, CIRE Early Learning centres in Croydon and Lilydale, Lakeview Kindergarten and Childcare, MiCare Beatrix Village, Mingarra Retirement Village, and Papilio Early Learning Centre Croydon – please note, these are not drop-off points for the general public.
Rotary has relaunched their MyCause donation page: mycause.com.au to give people who aren’t able to buy a physical gift the chance to donate funds instead – these contributions will be turned into gift cards for teens.
