Central Coast not-for-profit Coast Shelter has been given a helping hand to support their refuge clients, with Sanitarium staff at Berkeley Vale factory and offices donating, from their own pockets, almost half of the organisation’s annual Christmas Appeal refuge hamper target.
The Team Sanitarium staff donation, valued at over $5n500 and equating to 85 hampers, was further complemented by a surprise $20,000 cash donation from Sanitarium to Coast Shelter, to help the critical service continue its valuable work in 2025 and beyond.
“The generosity of our people is inspiring,” Sanitarium’s Executive General Manager ANZ Todd Saunders said.
“They truly live our purpose to change lives every day through whole person health and rallied together to support those in need in the community in which we work.
“Not only did Sanitarium staff donate to the Hamper Appeal, but our employees also fundraised by wrapping gifts for Coast Shelter at Erina and Tuggerah.
“They also donated the funds to buy 40 vouchers for clients living in the Men’s Refuge and added another $1,500 to the total by gifting their own Christmas gift vouchers on.”
Coast Shelter’s Christmas Appeal comes as a result of a challenging year, where the not-for-profit recorded a 55 per cent demand increase in community need, with clients requiring services from emergency accommodation to domestic violence support.
“This is a huge helping hand to the people in the Central Coast community who rely on us,” Corporate & Community Development Coordinator Emma Richomme said.
Sanitarium employees joined staff from Coast Shelter to pack the Christmas hampers with them including items like drinks, snacks, shortbread, crackers, puddings, mince pies, custard, desserts, tinned fruit, Christmas bon-bons, plates and serviettes – each complemented with So Good Milk, UP&GO and Weet-Bix for a Christmas day breakfast.
“Over the last two decades, our collaboration with Coast Shelter has allowed Sanitarium and our staff to contribute to impactful initiatives that have made a tangible difference in our community,” Saunders said.
“From providing support programs to teach clients how to write a resume, to practical support through product donations, financial contributions and engaging in hands-on initiatives like volunteering at the community kitchen, our partnership with Coast Shelter continues to strengthen our vital connection with the local community.
“We look forward to continuing this valuable partnership with Coast Shelter and to further supporting their vital work in years to come.”
Coast Shelter Chief Executive Officer Lee Shearer said Sanitarium’s $20,000 donation will directly support vital programs and services, helping to create brighter futures for individuals and families in need.
“This donation is just amazing,” she said.
“Thanks to Sanitarium’s staff, for two decades now Coast Shelter has been able to provide life-changing services to individuals and families facing their toughest times, bringing hope and comfort to those in need.
“Their belief in our mission means so much to us and to those we serve.
“We look forward to another year of making a difference together.
“We at Coast Shelter have been scaling up to meet ever-growing community needs at such a rapid rate.
“So, for us, the resources that it funds will go a long way.
“We couldn’t do what we do for the Central Coast community without the support from locals like this who live and work in our community.
“We truly value this partnership.”
Coast Shelter’s Christmas appeal is still taking donations at coastshelterchristmasappeal.com.au
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