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Mission Australia to brighten the day for struggling families at City Park

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16 Dec 2008
blog-leaves2A Christmas party in an inner-city park will provide some joy for about 60 children from disadvantaged families tomorrow (Tuesday).

For the sixth year in succession, Mission Australia and corporate partner AGL will stage a Christmas party for low-income families experiencing housing pressures.

The 2008 party will be staged at “Marshmallow Park” – on Glen Osmond Rd in the Southern Parklands – from 10.30 am until about 3.30 pm on Tuesday, 16 December 2008. 

The children will get to enjoy plenty of feasting and fun, with Father Christmas arriving at about 2pm. Mission Australia State Director Jillian Paull said the Christmas period could be a particularly stressful time for families already struggling to cope with everyday expenses.

“All families want their children to be able to experience and share the joy of Christmas, so it can be a distressing time for those unable to afford the ‘extras’ of the season,” Ms Paull said.

“We are happy to be in a position to be able to involve many of these families in one day of Christmas fun, during which everyday struggles can be put aside.”

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures indicate more than 22,000 children under the age of five sleep in crisis accommodation at some stage each year. Ms Paull said many of these children would not receive a Christmas present.

“We are fortunate to be able to turn to AGL to help us help our clients at this time,” Ms Paull said.

“AGL is among several of our partners that recognise the value of supporting Australian families in need not only of food, clothing and shelter but also of events and activities that brighten their hearts.”

Mission Australia Family Support & Accommodation Manager Natalya Watt – who is based at The Parks – said it was satisfying to see parents under financial and other pressures relax with their children at the party.

She said children invited to the party were participants in Mission Australia’s Family Services program at The Parks. There, accommodation and support services are provided to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and to unemployed people restricted in their ability to find or maintain employment.

Please note: Due to the sensitivities of some families being identified and/or photographed, please liaise with Natalya Watt, Mission Australia Services Manager, The Parks, who will be at the event and can be contacted on 08 8347 0483 or 0409 119 593.

For further information, contact Chris Rann on 08 8211 7771.



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