Holy Fools, a grassroots charity supporting people experiencing homelessness and hardship across the Yarra Ranges, has launched its annual Christmas campaign with an ambitious goal: to raise $20,000, distribute over 150 Christmas hampers, and host a free community Christmas lunch for those doing it tough this festive season.
Now in its 16th year of operation, Holy Fools is calling on the local community to rally behind the ‘Hope for the Holidays’ campaign to ensure no one in the Yarra Ranges goes without during Christmas.
There are three ways the community can support this Christmas:
1. Donate to the $20,000 Appeal. Funds raised will keep Felix House—Holy Fools’ drop-in centre—operational throughout early 2026, providing essential services including hot meals, showers, laundry facilities, and a safe refuge for people experiencing homelessness.
2. Contribute to Christmas Hampers. Holy Fools is collecting non-perishable food items to create 150-plus Christmas hampers for families and individuals facing hardship. Donations of pantry staples, festive treats, and household essentials are urgently needed.
3. Join the Free Christmas Lunch. On Christmas Day, Holy Fools will host a warm, welcoming lunch for anyone experiencing homelessness, hardship, or loneliness. Everyone is invited to share a delicious meal and the gift of community connection.
“Christmas can be the loneliest time of year for people doing it tough,” Holy Fools chief executive officer and founder Neal Taylor said.
“We see families sleeping in cars, individuals struggling with mental health and addiction, and people who’ve simply fallen through the cracks. Our Christmas campaign is about restoring dignity and hope, showing people they matter and they’re not forgotten.”
Holy Fools operates Felix House, a drop-in centre open Monday to Friday, and runs Street Angels, a weekly community outreach program. The charity serves hundreds of people annually, providing not just material support but genuine human connection.
With 60 per cent of clients being men aged 25-75 and 40 per cent women in the same age range—many fleeing domestic violence or sleeping in vehicles—the need for support continues to grow across the Yarra Ranges.
Donate funds: Visit holyfools.org.au
Donate food items: Contact Holy Fools to arrange drop-off
Attend Christmas Lunch: Call 1300 133 889 for details
Volunteer: Help pack hampers or serve at the Christmas lunch
“Every dollar, every tin of food, every hour volunteered makes a real difference,” Mr Taylor said.
“Together, we can bring hope home for the holidays.”
