Mammoth toy handover for Canberra kids

The Kids in Care charity has handed over hundreds of toys today to ensure Canberra’s most vulnerable kids all receive gifts on Christmas Day.  

Kids in Care was established in 2013 after Detective Sergeant John Giles attended a job at Christmas time and found four small children who had been neglected. Detective Sergeant Giles knew these children would not experience Christmas like most, and organised donations of toys to make sure they would receive gifts on Christmas morning.  

Since 2013, Kids in Care has grown to a point where it now supplies gifts to all children supported by ACT Child and Youth Protection Services and regionally through NSW Department of Community and Justice, not only at Christmas but throughout the year. Kids in Care has also expanded to provide ‘Go Bags’ for children put into last minute emergency or foster care. 

Speaking at today’s handover event, Kids in Care Chairperson Detective Leading Senior Constable Alex Uren said the annual toy handover was bittersweet.  

“We are so proud to be able to ensure vulnerable kids in our community receive gifts this Christmas – just like other ACT children,” said Detective Leading Senior Constable Uren.    

“But it also is a stark reminder that there are many kids who have experienced trauma, don’t have stable home arrangements and are in care at Christmas and throughout the year.  

“Kids in Care will continue to support these children with gifts and Go-Bags to make their lives just that little bit happier.   

“We would like to thank everyone who has donated gifts to date and those that are yet to do so. All donations are gratefully received before Christmas and during the year.   

“Since 2013, Kids in Care has been able to brighten the Christmas of thousands children across the Canberra region. We can’t do this important work without the generosity of local businesses and Canberrans – so to all our supporters we say thank you.” 

For more information  - Kids in Care 

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