Christmas gift appeal spreads cheer to those impacted by domestic violence

This Christmas, Townsville University Hospital will be giving back to victim survivors of domestic and family violence with a special Christmas gift appeal.

Townsville University Hospital clinical nurses Mara Mattocks, Chole Gage, Michelle Tipping

Townsville University Hospital is partnering with Townsville RizeUp Hub for a Christmas gift appeal, in the hopes of spreading Christmas cheer to victim survivors of domestic and family violence.

RizeUp Hub is an Australia-wide organisation, aiming at providing victim survivors of domestic violence with a safe space and essential items.

In 2024, 85 Australian women were killed in cases of domestic violence, 27 more women than in 2023.

Clinical nurse and Townsville RizeUp Hub team leader Chole Gage is organising this year’s Christmas appeal, and said it’s important to spread awareness over the holiday season.

“It’s a way for us to bring a little bit of normalcy to Christmas in shelters or out of home,” Ms Gage said.

“Seeing people experience domestic violence at what is meant to be the happiest time of the year hits close to home for not only our team in the child protection unit, but across the community.”

Ms Gage said she hopes the appeal can make Christmas more special for those spending the holidays in shelters or out of home.

“This gives them a little sense of ownership in the whole process which is a vital aspect of the appeal,” Ms Gage said.

“We’re asking for gifts not only for children, but for the whole family so that parents are able to choose a gift for their children and the children can choose a gift for their parent.”

Townsville University Hospital’s child protection unit will be accepting gift donations until December 18.

Originally published as Christmas gift appeal spreads cheer to those impacted by domestic violence