I have been Christmas shopping today. The shops were decorated with Christmas tinsel sparkling under the blinking coloured lights, Christmas carols filtered through the speakers as I dodged and weaved trolleys packed with gifts, children screaming and tired adults. Ahh Christmas!
As a family we are trying to reduce the gift giving this year – its our first go at secret santa which we are a bit excited about. And I am looking forward to being around people that I love, and they love me.
Unlike the youth that Father Chris Riley speaks about.
About Connor who has seen unspeakable things as a child and endured unimaginable abuse while in foster care.
About Beth who was forced onto the streets at 15, without a place to feel safe and warm to sleep.
About so many others that Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off The Streets charity can tell us about.
This charity is one that my dad supported – and I would like to continue to pay this forward by highlighting this important charity on Day 7 of the Christmas Advent Calendar for Making a Difference.
- $50 can give a homeless child a hot meal this Christmas, help break through the barriers of loneliness and isolation
- $95 can provide young people with vital support over Christmas like counselling to improve mental health and battle drug and alcohol addiction
- $140 can help reach homeless or disadvantage kids in crisis who need access to food, shelter, hygiene support or medical attention.
As Father Chris Riley says “we can help make miracles happen” – isn’t this what Christmas is all about?
Pop into Youth Off The Street to make a donation and help make a miracle happen.
