Christmas is about love, hope and joy. It is a time when we celebrate the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ that was freely given for all of humankind and when we respond to His call to care for each other.
After almost two years of uncertainty, worry and financial hardship wrought by the COVID pandemic, we were humbled by the support received for our Christmas Appeal 2021 which blessed over 1000 South Australians with a special Christmas treat!
Heartfelt thanks to all our supporters and churches who share in our mission to care for people in need at Christmas and throughout the year.
Some of the incredible support from our churches included:
- Hope Valley Church donated 90 new handbags filled with gifts to bless women visiting our WestCare Centre during December
- The children of Knightsbridge Baptist Church baked and decorated 20 beautiful gingerbread houses
- Influencers Church – Adelaide City donated an incredible 200 gifts
- Volunteers from the Mount Gambier Baptist Church thoughtfully purchased hundreds of presents for children across the Limestone Coast.
WestCare Toy Appeal
650 children and young people across Adelaide received gifts from their parents who came to shop freely at our WestCare Christmas cave – an increase of 50% from last year!
Many of the parents who came to ‘shop’ were experiencing homelessness, new Australians, linguistically diverse community members or had been affected by COVID-19.
Christmas Lunch
At the WestCare Centre on Christmas Day 117 people, including young children, enjoyed al fresco dining in the sunshine as they shared a feast of beef, seafood, hearty vegetables, salad, and pudding.
Roundwood Solutions Limestone Coast Toy Run
Down south, the third Roundwood Solutions Limestone Coast Toy Run hosted by Baptist Care SA raised thousands of dollars to buy 400 gifts for families doing it tough in the region. Almost 200 motorbikes and vehicles took part in the event which has become a much-loved local tradition.
It was an incredible effort, and we thank the many volunteers and staff involved; Playford Baptist, Lighthouse Community, Hackham Baptist, Unley Park Baptist, Hope Valley, Enjoy, Sunset Rock Uniting and Hills Baptist for their support, and all who donated and helped give the gift of hope at Christmas!
