The size of our challenge
In 2016 the Gethsemane Christmas Project tried to bring some joy and a level of dignity to people who often feel neglected and not worthy of respect. Gethsemane volunteers packed parcels for 42 facilities with 369 residents and for 19 people living independently with support. The facilities included:
- 7 boarding houses for people with disabilities
- 27 group homes
- 34 aged care facilities
We also had support from a range of schools:
- Seven schools packed parcels for 26 facilities with 467 residents without family
- One school packed parcels for 42 people in the Sutherland area and in Fairfield
- One school packed parcels for 38 people in the Southern Highlands
Additional achievements of the Christmas Project included:
- 855 people receiving up to 10 Christmas cards each
- Toiletry packs and food and gift hampers went to 345 clients of four different health teams
- Double washing basket hampers of festive food were made up for residents of seven boarding houses for people with disabilities
- 70 people with disabilities came to lunch on Christmas Day at Gethsemane Community and had a wonderful time
There have been further requests for 2017 and we are considering our resources to meet all these needs. We ask you to support this work as many of these people, especially those suffering with mental health problems are not remembered, especially at Christmas.