A Very GIVIT Christmas connects with bushfire affected communities

As we get closer to Christmas, we also approach the anniversary of the Black Summer bushfires which devastated so many communities in southeast Australia. Because it is the traditional time of giving, you may wonder how you can directly help people who were, and still are, affected by the fires.

National online charity GIVIT has partnered with Handmade Canberra for its contactless 2020 Christmas appeal – it could be Canberra’s biggest ‘Secret Santa’.

GIVIT channels generosity where it is needed to support vulnerable people and communities in Australia, working with more than 3600 support organisations to ensure people get what they need when they need it most.

Through Handmade Canberra’s A Very GIVIT Christmas directory, donors can purchase gifts starting at $20 from an Australian small business. These gifts will then be packaged and sent free of charge to bushfire affected communities, from Lake Conjola to Cobargo.

Handmade Canberra started small 12 years ago and has become a nationally recognised design market and an accredited partner of the Australian Made Campaign.

With a passion for supporting independent, small and creative businesses and connecting them to their target customers, Handmade Canberra has a nurturing relationship with its designers and producers who bring a high standard of quality, workmanship and customer service, and an interactive relationship with its customers.

GIVIT regional manager Caroline Odgers said not even the intense bushfire season coupled with the global COVID-19 pandemic can phase Canberra’s Christmas spirit.

“This year, thousands of households across the southeast NSW region which have felt the brunt of the bushfires and COVID-19 will be gifted thoughtful, Australian-made, sustainable, quality presents,” she said.

“It’s exciting to think this could be the biggest ever Secret Santa with almost 15,000 Canberrans already signed up to the appeal.”

This Christmas appeal also has great financial flow-on effects as many of 120 stallholders selling upwards of 1200 products are also from bushfire affected regions, including Guerilla Roasters in Moruya.

“Not so long ago we couldn’t even access our coffee roastery due to fire and road closures,” says Guerilla Roasters’ head of sales, Aymee Wise.

“But thanks to the nationwide compassion shown to our little business, we are getting back on our feet and are stoked to be part of the contactless Christmas appeal.”

Aymee also believes coffee is a fantastic gift to give.

“Giving the gift of coffee is really about giving the gift of a chat and connection with a loved one, which is the best gift of all,” she says.

GIVIT’s Christmas appeal runs until 7 December, 2020. To ensure your gift arrives in time for Christmas morning, click here to place your order.

If you are looking for a workplace Secret Santa with a difference, round up your workmates to be part of A Very GIVIT Christmas and you’ll receive posters for your tearoom and gift tags for your Christmas tree.

Email act@givit.org.au to get involved.

Original Article published by Alex Rea on About Regional.