No child should wake up without joy this Christmas...

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Dear Our Villager,

As many children start writing their Christmas wish lists, here at Our Village we’re facing a very different kind of list – a Christmas waitlist, and sadly this year – it's a very long list.

Right now, 835 children are waiting for their Our Village order – essential items they need to thrive – and without the help of supporters like you, this list will continue to grow. These are vulnerable babies and children that have been referred to us by social services, case workers and nurses because they need our help, urgently.

Yes! I will take a child off the waitlist in time for Christmas morning! [[link removed]]

These requests we receive aren’t for new bikes or video games. They’re for essentials: a safe place for a baby to sleep, clothes a new mum can’t afford for her child, shoes so a child can start school next year.

There are 681 clothing bundles on our waitlist.

Can you help today?

Yes! I will take a bundle off the list! [[link removed]]

Social workers are telling us this Christmas will be especially tough. Many families across Victoria are facing the day with very little to celebrate. For some, there’ll be no safe home, no shared meal and no gifts under the tree.

Anna, a Youth Housing Support Officer at South Port Community Housing Project works with families at risk of homelessness around the Port Phillip area. She explains:

“Usually, when they are struggling with housing, there's some level of family violence, mental health challenges, financial difficulties, or a lack of social support and connections as well. They’re so overwhelmed by many complex challenges.

“Especially during this time of the year, they feel quite isolated. It’s a difficult period, because they’re not where they would like to be. But they can still be incredibly resilient in trying to do something different for their families.”

That’s where Our Village steps in.

There are 145 prams on the waitlist.

Can you help?

Yes! I will take a pram off the list! [[link removed]]

This year we are determined to go the extra mile for kids in need. With your support, we will deliver urgent essentials along with a little extra festive magic – a pre-loved book pack, lovingly prepared by a volunteer, to go out with every order in December.

Christmas isn’t just about what’s under the tree. It’s about hope, dignity, and the comfort of knowing someone cares.

When Anna placed an order for a mum with a six-year-old son and a one-year-old daughter, she only asked for the essentials for the baby. Thanks to supporters like you, our volunteers were able to provide a little bit extra.

“There was a colouring book about Spiderman, and he loves Spiderman, so he immediately started playing with it. They were really excited. And I remember my client’s reaction, she said ‘I just asked for one item and look at everything I’ve got!’ She was incredibly grateful.”

Your generosity means nothing is overlooked – from prams, clothing bundles and cots, to the small, thoughtful touches that remind families they’re not alone.

There are 98 cots on the waitlist. Will you help? [[link removed]] Yes! I will take a cot off the list! [[link removed]]

Because of our amazing supporters, we have the pre-loved goods waiting in our warehouses.

Our volunteers are ready.

The orders are on our waitlist.

With your Christmas donation today, together, we can make sure every child feels cared for this Christmas.

Please help bring back the magic this Christmas.

With my warmest thanks,

Ruth Holdaway MBE

CEO, Our Village

P.S. There are 835 children on our waitlist right now, waiting for the essential items they need to thrive. Please donate today and bring back the magic for kids doing it tough. [[link removed]]

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