Gift drive gets into gear

By Jim Mynard
EMPLOYEESat DaimlerChrysler’s head office donated more than 150 Christmas presents to Windermere Child and Family Services at Narre Warren to help disadvantaged children.
DaimlerChrysler representative Ryan Harding said the gesture was part of a commitment to giving back to the community and provided an amazing result.
“Nearly all our staff contributed,” he said.
The response grew from a few people’s idea to put labels on their Christmas tree with the age and sex of a child.
“Staff could then take the labels and replace them with a gift and soon they ran out of labels. We saw this enormous tree in our foyer and said, ‘This is missing something, presents’,” he said.
Windermere’s marketing and development manager, Kevin Noonan said Windermere was always surprised by people’s generosity in the workplace.
“The calibre of these gifts was extraordinary. This meant the world to some of the kids we work with. Families we see are really doing it tough.
“We encourage companies in the region like DaimlerChrysler to support charities such as ours as we operate exclusively where they are located.
“It’s a great way to feel connected to the community.”
Windermere has a giving program that encourages employers to match gifts or volunteer work by their staff.
“They also offer a child sponsorship program where a business can sponsor a disadvantaged kid for as little as $30 a month,” Mr Noonan said.
He said the program was designed to provide support with emotional and educational needs.
“It provides personal assistance from qualified staff and volunteer mentors, some counselling support for issues they may face as well as access to additional educational support.
“The beauty is you know you are helping a child.
“Staff can be mentors and we provide regular reports while you can correspond with that child as well,” Mr Noonan said.
For details contact Mr Noonan on 9705 3200, 0403 336 628 or kevin.noonanwindermere.cfs.com.au.