Running from 10am through to 1pm on Saturday, 5 December 2015, Hands of Hope pulled off its thirteenth year of Christmas 4 Kids. It was held at Unidus Communtiy Centre, Willawong, which provided a great outdoor space for young children and families.
Christmas 4 Kids first began in 2003 as an annual Christmas community event of Hands of Hope with the aim of bringing Christmas cheer to the southwestern community of Brisbane. This year almost 300 children and 200 adults attended the event.
It was a day full of fun and games with over 25 activities for the children such as jumping castle, face painting, animal farm, laser tag, and many carnival games. A team of dancers in animal onesies made a guest appearance halfway through the event, which children, especially the younger ones, thoroughly enjoyed.
Everyone was treated to a free sausage sizzle over lunch, as well as snow cones and fairy floss that were available. The wide array of desserts and sweet treats to top off the feed were kindly donated by volunteers.
Agencies, which service the local areas around Willawong, namely Queensland Police Services, Inala Youth Service and Anglicare were present at the event. They came equipped with information on services they provide, information sheets and fun activities to engage the children.
Cr Angela Owen-Taylor, Councillor for Parkinson Ward and Cr Milton Dick, Councillor for Richlands Ward also joined us.
Every child went home that day with a Christmas present each that was given out by Hands of Hope. Families were also treated to a free photobooth on site where they could bring home photos as memories of the day.
We greatly appreciate the 217 volunteers that helped both on the day and with the preparations in making this event possible!
We also thank and acknowledge the funding we received for this event from the Brisbane City Council Festival Funding Program and the Lord Mayor Suburban Initiative Fund.
