St Albans Park grandma spreading Christmas joy by donating gifts to foster kids
A St Albans Park grandmother is spreading the Christmas spirit by donating presents to kids in foster care using the money she earns working overtime during the year.
Geelong
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A St Albans Park grandma is spreading the festive spirit this Christmas after saving up money she earned working overtime to buy presents for children in foster care.
This is the third year Wendy Bourke, who works at an aged care facility in Ocean Grove, has donated Christmas gifts to MacKillop Family Services.
The idea was born after the grandmother of four was unable to work a few years ago because she was unwell.
“I felt so grateful when I recovered and could work again that I decided I was going to do something positive,” she said.
Ms Bourke decided to donate gifts to the organisation as Christmas could be a difficult time for children in foster care.
“I’m delighted I can do something to help put a smile on their faces,” she said.
This year Ms Bourke’s four grandchildren, Ivy, 8, Miranda, 4, Alfie, 6 and Jasper, 10, are also getting involved.
“It is wonderful to see how happy they are to be part of getting the toys and gifts ready for other children, and asking to donate some gifts that would have been for them,” she said.
“Helping spread some joy is what Christmas should be about.”
MacKillop’s carer recruitment and development co-ordinator Judy Hand said contributions, like Ms Bourke’s, help make a difference in the community.
“Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for kids who can’t be with their families and helping with gifts is one of the ways we can support carers to help make it a special day,” she said.
“Caring for vulnerable children and young people is something the whole community can be involved in.”
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Originally published as St Albans Park grandma spreading Christmas joy by donating gifts to foster kids
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