St Vincent de Paul Society NT's begins 2025 hamper project

From canned food to plush toys, hundreds of hampers filled with food and gifts will be delivered to struggling Territory families this week.

Volunteer Kay Fitzpatrick preparing for St Vincent de Paul Society NT's annual hamper project.

From canned food to plush toys, hundreds of hampers filled with food and gifts will be delivered to struggling Territory families this week as part of St Vincent de Paul Society NT's annual hamper project.

 More than 450 hampers containing essentials, food and gifts will be delivered by volunteers across the Darwin and Palmerston region - as well as 100 hampers to the Tiwi Islands and 50 to the Daly River community.

The hampers are made possible through donations from Territory schools, parishes, businesses and community members, and a 'giving tree' where people put gifts under the tree for families

experiencing disadvantage.

St Vincent de Paul Society NT's annual hamper project.

 Vinnies NT president Damian Legg said the hampers were more than just supplies.

“They’re a message of hope and support and remind all of us of our wonderful capacity for kindness and generosity,” he said.

“Over the past year, the St Vincent de Paul Society Northern Territory has provided 3446 emergency relief services to individuals and families. At Christmas, we hope our hamper project brings light and joy, showing the community's care and support.”

Kay Fitzpatrick has been a devoted volunteer at Vinnies NT for a number of years.

St Vincent de Paul Society NT's annual hamper project.

Despite many Territory households wrestling with cost-of-living pressures, she said Territorians had been “absolutely amazing” with their donations in 2024.

“It's been fantastic, and we've had plenty of people ringing in for donations,” Ms Fitzpatrick said.

“We're doing more hampers this year than we have in previous years because of the number of donations we've had this year.”

Ms Fitzpatrick encouraged more Territorians to donate to the cause this holiday season.

“They say we're the lucky country, but there's a lot of people here who aren't that lucky,” she said.

“These donations are really important because everyone - no matter what their financial situation is - deserves to have a happy Christmas.

“No donation goes to waste.”

While contributions to the Christmas hampers have closed, Ms Fitzpatrick said it was never too late to make a donation through Vinnies' website: vinnies.org.au/nt