Australian Red Cross is urging Australians to consider giving an additional gift this year that can turn despair into hope for people in crisis.
Throughout the festive season many people will be opening their gifts with bated breath and mixed emotions.
A recent survey published by Choice Magazine indicated that at least 20 per cent of gifts given this season will not really be something that the recipient needs or wants. A third of these respondents went on to say that they would be likely to throw out or stash unwanted gifts in the back of a cupboard.
With the holiday season and present-buying frenzy in full swing, Red Cross is suggesting that instead of buying another unwanted pair of socks this Christmas, Australians could choose to give a gift to people in crisis that you can be sure will be just what they really need.
“This year, the generosity of the Australian public has helped people devastated by disasters all over the world,” Australian Red Cross CEO Robert Tickner said.
“Who can forget the earthquake and tsunami in Japan; floods in Victoria and Queensland; Cyclone Yasi; earthquakes in Christchurch and famine in East Africia? It’s hard to comprehend so many disasters in the last 12 months alone and it has only been because of public support and donations that Red Cross has been able to make a real difference to so many people in crisis.
“With the holiday season upon us, we are asking Australians to consider giving a gift to people in crisis for reasons that will never make the headlines.”
Gifts to the seasonal campaign will be used to support our everyday work. It could help us provide a daily phone call to elderly Australians living alone to make them feel more secure in their homes or it could help reconnect families torn apart by disasters, conflict or war, provide safe drinking water and sanitation programs to communities in Asia-Pacific or help rebuild a community after a natural disaster.”
And if you’re still wondering what to do with all those unwanted gifts – why not donate them to a Red Cross retail outlet? Red Cross strongly encourages quality donations in-store from the public. Donations can be delivered to our stores during opening hours. If you are unsure of items that can be donated, phone 1800 339 888. Proceeds from the sale of goods will go towards supporting the everyday work of Red Cross caring for vulnerable people in the community.
To support the Red Cross this holiday season and give someone a gift that will truly be just what they need, please visit www.redcross.org.au or call 1800 811 700.
