The Christmas Tree Project is a staff-led initiative that has been running at Castlemaine Health for five years.
This year, the Christmas Tree Project is once again delivering the goods to those in our community who could use a little support this Christmas. The Christmas Tree Project is supported by all departments of the hospital.
Donations of quality non-perishable food and toiletries are made into boxes on display in team areas and in the Quick Fix Café throughout November and December.
Project coordinator, Lisa Jackson, a theatre recovery nurse at Castlemaine Health said: “Once the goods are collected, members of our staff and Castlemaine District Community Health come together, to sort and pack the goods into hampers, in the hope of spreading a little Christmas cheer to our local community”.
With the outstanding help of our own Castlemaine Housing Service, the hampers are delivered throughout Castlemaine and surrounding areas during December to where they will help to make a difference.
The hampers are donated to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and clients of local family services.
Castlemaine District Community Service Housing Worker Brita Johanson said: “People are very stretched and stressed at this time of year so it’s great to be able to give them something to make a difficult time of year a little easier.”
Lisa said: “This year we have packed 34 hampers, along with two large boxes of gifts and toys. The donations included high quality toiletries, Christmas cakes and seasonal treats, and other festive items such as bonbons and shortbread. It’s another wonderful result and a big thank you must go out to our staff and others who gave so generously”.
