The Gold Coast SUNS are helping to bring a little Christmas spirit to vulnerable families and children trying to escape domestic violence this holiday season by backing the RizeUp Australia Christmas Appeal.
SUNS players and staff gathered at the team’s training ground this week to donate gifts and toys to the Queensland-based charity. They were joined by RizeUp CEO and founder, Nicolle Edwards, and RizeUp patron Shelley Craft.
One in four children across Australia currently live in a home where domestic violence takes place. More than 330 children have already been lifted out of domestic violence this year, thanks to the pioneering work of Queensland-based RizeUp, however domestic violence continues to be a scourge of society across the nation.
The charity’s Christmas Gift Appeal gives the public the opportunity to make a small contribution which makes a significant difference to the lives of those children at Christmas.
All of the toys and gifts donated will be distributed to families right across Queensland who are being supported by leading domestic violence support services.
Supporting the Christmas Appeal is just the latest way Gold Coast SUNS’ players and staff have got behind RizeUp’s important work in 2018. The players were instrumental in helping the charity set-up homes for three families escaping domestic violence, and the club also donated $2,500 on RizeUp’s annual day of giving earlier this year.
Members and Fans of the SUNS can also get involved by dropping off new gifts and toys they wish to donate to RizeUp at the team’s headquarters, the Austworld Centre. From there, a team of dedicated RizeUp volunteers will be Santa’s elves - sorting, packing and distributing the presents to families in RizeUp’s homes.
RizeUp CEO and Founder, Nicolle Edwards believes being able to put a smile on a child’s face at Christmas is priceless and is thankful at having such a high-profile partner in Gold Coast SUNS.
“Many of these families are forced to leave their homes with nothing but the clothes on their back. So, for these families to receive and see the generosity of the community, it gives them hope that there are people out there who care about them and acknowledge their courageous decision to leave the violence behind,” said Mrs Edwards.
“The support of an influential and high-profile community-based organisation like Gold Coast SUNS is invaluable to us. The commitment which the players and staff have shown to us this year has been fantastic and has helped make a real difference to our families.
“Every child deserves the thrill and happiness of opening a gift on Christmas morning. We’d love to see people gift new toys, clothes, and books – something small can mean a lot for some of Australia’s most vulnerable families,” continued Mrs Edwards.
GC SUNS General Manager Consumer and Community, Jane McGough looked to highlight the importance of the club supporting those in need throughout our community.
“Since our inception in the AFL, as a club we’ve committed to providing authentic and meaningful support throughout the Gold Coast community,” McGough said.
“It’s fantastic that the players and staff here at the SUNS have got behind the RizeUp Christmas appeal.
“We’ve worked with RizeUp over a number of years to help support those most in need, and hopefully every bit we can do, will have a big impact on those affected.”
