‘Trees of Hope’ to make a ton of difference this Christmas

The Shack Community Centre is hoping to make a ton of difference to homeless people and vulnerable couples and families this Christmas.

The team’s Trees of Hope Appeal launched at Sweet and Flour Cafe Nambour on November 1 to provide much-needed items to those less fortunate.

The Shack are encouraging everyone to pick up a specially marked box or a bag and fill it with items for donation to the needy.

“Last year we delivered 6000 kilograms of food, so this year we would love to do even more,” said The Shack’s Imogene Dowler. “It’d just be incredible. And we’d like to give to as many people as we can, we’re going all the way from Caloundra to Gympie, which is awesome.”

To take part all you have to do is collect Trees of Hope hamper bags or boxes from local Heritage branches, Mitre 10 stores or from The Shack. Then fill them with the items indicated on the list provided. “Heritage Bank branches across the Coast, and Gympie have jumped on board and are opening their doors as food drop off and bag collection points,” said Imogene.

“We love being able to be a part of the community, bringing a little bit of hope and joy. And we know people really need it this year, especially with what’s been going on in the world.”

Imogene said people could choose to provide for a family a couple or a single person. 

“The list includes things that are non-perishable, and all things that some people can’t afford over that Christmas season. 

“We’ve got a bag for the singles and a box for couples and families. And we also like to give out some toys for the little kids. 

“And then, for the teenagers, they get a back-to-school backpack, which is pretty amazing. Because sometimes parents just can’t afford that, after the Christmas period.”

Imogene said she loved witnessing people’s reactions when they received the hampers.

“It’s pretty indescribable, I’m not going to lie. Seeing people’s faces just light up. I’ve been doing this for a long time and just to be able to see that joy that comes into them, because it’s been such a trying year for people. And not just people who are homeless or living on the streets — it’s been difficult for everyone.  And this just brings a little bit of light into the community at this time of year.”

Imogene said it was not hard to decide who to give the hampers to. 

“It can be sometimes pretty obvious. Sometimes not so obvious. But we try and just see where they’re at and  have a normal conversation with them, like ‘Hey, how’s your day going?’ And then, slowly, they’ll start to open up about how they’re doing and how they’ve actually really been struggling.

“For me personally, I just think it really humbles you and makes you appreciate what you do have. It’s just an amazing time to be able to give back to other people who need it this season.” 

Imogene said she was especially keen to support young people. “There’s so many young people out there on the streets and they need other young people to get by them and say, ‘Hey, it’s okay. We’re here for you’.”

To take part all you have to do is collect Trees of Hope hamper bags or boxes from local Heritage branches, Mitre 10 stores or from The Shack. Then fill them with the items indicated on the list provided. Mitre 10 Stores: Kunda Park, Nambour, Cooroy, Gympie. Heritage Branches: Caloundra, Kawana, Maroochydore,  Palmwoods, Nambour, Noosa.

Heritage Bank Mobile Lending manager Sandy McCulloch and Dale Dowler.