General News
25 October, 2026
One gift can change a child’s Christmas
GATEWAY Plaza will once again host the MacKillop Family Services Christmas Gift Appeal.
Plaza shoppers and visitors will again have the opportunity to donate gifts for foster children, and other vulnerable families and children across the district, this upcoming festive season.
Gateway property manager Sarah Porter said last year’s appeal received overwhelming support, with almost 500 gifts donated along with several gift vouchers.
“The generosity of people last year was just incredible and we’re hoping to raise the bar even further this year,” Sarah said.
“We know many people in our community are doing it tough so it’s amazing to see just how generous people can be; to see people thinking of others less fortunate while also facing tough times themselves is heart-warming.”
Approximately 400 children across the south west were supported through the 2025 Christmas Gift Appeal, bringing smiles to the faces of so many youngsters who may otherwise have faced a somewhat bleak Christmas.
“The goal of the appeal when we started 11 years ago was to support our foster carers financially via Christmas gifts for the children in their care,” carer recruitment and development coordinator with MacKillop Family Services Alana Umbers said.
“The appeal well and truly goes above and beyond that now, as well as being able to support so many other vulnerable families and children in our community via the agencies and services.”
According to Ms Umbers, last year’s appeal meant that foster carers were “completely sorted with gifts” and didn’t have to purchase out of their own pockets – and it also meant there were enough gifts for a few for each child.
“The community went above and beyond with the gifts that were donated to the appeal via Gateway Plaza,” she said.
The Christmas tree will be set up from Monday, November 9.
“We will hang gift tags on the white fence at the tree for people to grab a boy or girl tag,” Sarah said.
“Presents don’t need to be wrapped, just a tag stuck on, and these can be left under the tree.”
