The Gift of Giving: volunteering this holiday season

As the holiday season approaches, consider volunteering to make a meaningful impact. While Christmas is a time of joy for many, it can be a challenging period for those facing hardship. Volunteering is a powerful way to support others, lift spirits, and support an inclusive community.

Volunteer Nationwide This Christmas

For those looking to contribute on a national level, many organisations provide holiday programs where your time and support can make a big impact:

• Australian Red Cross: The Red Cross offers a range of services over the holiday period, including checking in on elderly individuals and those living alone. Volunteer opportunities include outreach programs, meal delivery, and providing companionship.
• Foodbank Australia: Foodbank works year-round to provide food relief, but the demand during Christmas is particularly high. Foodbank, are partnering with leading Australian businesses to offer consumers the opportunity to support vulnerable communities while they shop. Shoppers can make a big difference by rounding up their bill or adding a donation at checkout.
• Share the Dignity: ”It’s in the Bag” is annual campaign encouraging Australians to put together Adult, Teen or Mum and Bub bags filled with essential items and donate to someone who need some care this Christmas.
• The Salvation Army: The Salvos are known for their annual Christmas Appeal. They provide meals, gifts, and assistance to those facing financial hardship. Contact your local Salvation Army to find out if you can volunteer at a Christmas meal or in other ways this Christmas.
• St Vincent de Paul Society: Often referred to as Vinnies, supports individuals and families struggling financially during the holiday season. Volunteers can assist with delivering food hampers, preparing meals, or organising gift drives.

City-by-City Guide for Christmas Giving

For a more localised approach, volunteering opportunities are available across major cities in Australia, allowing you to connect with people in your community directly. Here are some ways to get involved:

• Sydney:
  • Mission Australia provides an Annual Christmas Lunch in the Park inviting vulnerable people to enjoy a free lunch together on Christmas Day. Various Christmas events and meals for vulnerable community members, providing a meaningful way to get involved.
  • Wayside Chapel in Kings Cross hosts an annual Christmas Day street party for those experiencing homelessness. Volunteers can help serve food, distribute gifts, or set up and clean up. You can also ‘Donate a Plate‘ to sponsor a Christmas meal with all the trimmings, and ensure that people doing it tough during the holiday season receive the love, care and support they deserve.
• Melbourne:
  • FareShare, which prepares meals for people in crisis, welcomes volunteers to assist with packing and delivering meals in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
  • Sacred Heart Mission serves meals to those in need on Christmas Day and is always looking for helping hands to assist with food preparation, serving, and cleanup.
• Brisbane:
  • Brisbane Basket Brigade is a non-profit organisation that provides food and gifts for people who need a hand during the Christmas season each year. Join their community volunteer packing day
  • Suncare Community Services is looking for genuine volunteers to assist in the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme. An hour a week can make a world of difference to someone isolated or lonely, especially over Christmas.
• Perth:
  • Lifeline WA  provides all Western Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support. They require volunteers to assist with their Christmas gift-wrapping in support of Lifeline WA.
  • Little Things for Tiny Tots
  • Little Things for Tiny Tots provides essential baby items for WA families in need so that every baby can receive the care and support they need. You can help by donating baby items at collection points or giving funds to pay for new and essential items. 
• Adelaide:
  • Backpacks 4 SA Kids exists to provide resources that contribute to the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people during periods of dislocation from home and routine care. Their Christmas Program provides newborn to 18-year-olds with Christmas gifts when entering into emergency care.
  • Hutt St Centre provides meals and support to those experiencing homelessness. Volunteers can help with Christmas Day activities, serving meals, or supporting the centre’s holiday events. To help bring joy and comfort to those experiencing homelessness.
• Hobart:
  • Hobart City Mission Christmas Assistance Program supports people who are experiencing hardship in Southern Tasmania over Christmas. Join Hobart City Mission’s volunteers who are making a difference for people doing it tough.

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Not Everyone Celebrates Christmas

While many Australians celebrate Christmas, it’s important to remember that not everyone does so for cultural or religious reasons. Volunteering over the holiday season can be a meaningful way to connect with diverse communities and support those who may not mark the occasion in traditional ways. Consider opportunities like:

• Assisting at community events: Many multicultural organisations host gatherings or festivals during December that celebrate diverse traditions. Volunteering at these events can be a wonderful way to share joy and learn about different cultures.
• Helping refugee or migrant support services: These organisations often run programs during the holiday period, providing essential resources or companionship for people far from home.
• Supporting year-round causes: Lend a hand to animal shelters, environmental clean-ups, or aged care facilities that continue their work regardless of the season.

Other Ways to Share Holiday Joy

If you’re unable to volunteer in person, consider supporting a charity through donations. Many organisations rely on financial and material donations to keep their holiday programs running. Contributing to local food banks, toy drives, and other seasonal initiatives can still make a significant difference.

This holiday season, volunteering is more than just giving back, it’s a chance to create lasting memories and meaningful connections. Explore the options available, and help create a brighter Christmas for everyone across Australia.

Short on Time? Donate to Christmas Charities

If you’re looking for ways to give back beyond traditional volunteering, there are plenty of other meaningful ways to spread holiday cheer and make a real impact in your community:

• Giving Trees and Toy Drives: Many schools, workplaces, and shopping malls set up Giving Trees where you can select a gift tag and purchase a present for a child or adult in need. Participating in these programs helps ensure everyone has something special to unwrap on Christmas morning.
• Visiting Older Australians: The holiday season can be a lonely time for elderly individuals, especially those in aged care facilities who may not have family nearby. Many aged care facilites welcome volunteers to visit, share stories, or bring a little holiday spirit to brighten residents’ day. Contact local care homes or programs such as Befriend and Red Cross Telecross to see how you can get involved.
• Inviting Someone to Christmas Lunch: For those facing financial hardship or dealing with isolation, being included in a Christmas meal can make a world of difference. If you have the capacity, consider extending an invitation to someone who might otherwise spend the holiday alone.
• Cards and Care Packages: Get creative by making holiday cards or assembling care packages to be delivered to local shelters, hospitals, and community centres. Personalised notes and small items like toiletries, snacks, and books can bring comfort and joy to those going through a tough time.

This holiday season, every act of kindness—big or small—can create meaningful connections and brighten lives. Whether through volunteering, donating or simply reaching out to someone in need, thank you for making this festive season a little brighter for all