The St George Greek Orthodox Church at Rose Bay in Sydney has spread Christmas cheer by packing and distributing more than 500 charity hampers to support homeless communities, soup kitchens, and those in need.
The initiative, part of the church’s annual Community Christmas Charity Hamper Drive, saw more than 70 volunteers come together at the Church Hall on Friday, December 13 to pack an impressive 540 hampers – more than double last year’s total of 250. The effort surpassed the church’s original target of 500 hampers.
These essential hampers will be distributed to local initiatives such as “Feed the People” at St Sophia and Three Daughters at Surry Hills, “A Touch of Kindness” in Martin Place, the soup kitchen at St Constantine & St Helen Newtown, as well as the Wayside Chapel in Bondi Beach and Sutherland Community Services.
The charity drive will culminate with a final distribution of 150 hampers to the homeless at the corner of Phillip Street and Martin Place today at 5.45pm. Several St George Church Rose Bay board members will be on hand to personally deliver the packages.
The effort has been made possible thanks to the generosity of the Friends of St George Church, the Ladies Auxiliary Philoptohos, parishioners, local businesses, and community members who donated items and volunteered their time.
“Together, we’re making a real difference for those in need,” the church said in a Facebook post, reflecting on the power of community and compassion during the holiday season.
