Hampers For The Holidays

Mackay Women’s Services Bring Christmas Joy To Survivors of Domestic Violence

Mackay Women’s Services are a strong pillar in the Mackay region, not only offering support and resources for women facing domestic violence (DV) situations, but also an annual Christmas Hamper Drive to lift spirits in the lead-up to the festive season.

For many women facing the uphill battle, these hampers are a positive note to finish off the year. Many women have children that are forced to go without when the going gets tough, and Mackay Women’s Services are striving to change this narrative as December rolls around.

In 2022, Mackay Women’s Services put together 293 hampers. This year, they are expecting numbers to exceed the 300 mark.

Mackay Women’s Services have started early this year to encourage volunteering and advertising with local radio station Star 101.8 to spread the word.

Community Engagement and Fundraising and Events Coordinator Julie said, “We send out letters at the beginning of November, we advertise with Star FM who have been on board with us for the last five years, for three weeks every year.

“It's one less thing for those women and children to worry about. A woman might have gone through a DV situation and is now living in a hotel with her kids. So it's the last thing on her mind,” She said.

Julie couldn’t pinpoint an exact figure that the centre will be catering for this year, with the rising cost of living and housing prices, Mackay Women’s Centre is receiving a new intake of clients every single day.

“More than half of the women that we see are struggling over the Christmas period this year. And it's not just women that have gone through DV. Every single person is struggling with it,” Julie said.

Hampers provide the essential items, but are focused more-so on what most people would usually have to eat on Christmas Day, like a ham for the family to enjoy. The centre also caters to the kids, including treats such as icey-poles, chocolate and cordial to add a special touch.

This amazing annual feat wouldn’t be possible without the support of local organisations and community members rallying behind the cause, who put in their time and supplies to make Christmas magic come alive.

Julie added, “We have that much support, not just from organisations and businesses, just from community members in general.

“With our community able to bring a bit of relaxation for these women, it's one less thing for them to worry about.”

Women who are facing domestic violence can utilise the centre’s services, who also offer counselling and laundry services, as well as a hot shower and a warm meal.

To assist Mackay Women’s Service in their efforts, you can collect food items, food/fuel vouchers, toiletries and gifts for mothers and their children which will then be made into a hamper for vulnerable families. The service kindly requests gifts/vouchers for teenagers and mothers, as they currently have an abundance of gifts for small children already.

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Mackay Women's Services annual Christmas Hamper Drive

Photo credit: Star 101.9

Mackay Women’s Services getting their hampers ready

Photo credit: Mackay Women’s Services