Notice: Council services over Easter Read more.
Use space to open navigation items
City of Wollongong

Embrace the holiday season with the City of Wollongong Giving Tree

Wednesday 10 November 2021

Image: L-R: Local bike member Daniel Zgela, St Vincent de Paul Wollongong Diocesan President Peter Houweling, Biker's Toy Run Committee Member Karl Hofman, St Vincent de Paul Central Illawarra Regional President Rhonda Maher, Anglicare representative Leanne Kennedy, and local bike member Mick Baadic.

The season of giving is truly underway and we’re welcoming donations for the City of Wollongong Giving Tree.

The annual City of Wollongong Giving Tree invites the community to donate a gift to those who are less fortunate in our city. From today until Sunday 5 December, we’re accepting donations that are suitable for children up to 16 years old, with an online option available.

Gifts need to be dropped off at the nominated locations by the closing date so they can be quarantined and safely distributed in time for Christmas.

“We’re delighted to once again work with two of our leading charities Anglicare and Saint Vincent de Paul Society, to help spark community joy for another Christmas,” Wollongong City Council’s Director Community Services (Acting) Lucielle Power said.

“For many families, the holiday season can be a difficult one especially when buying presents. We anticipate this year will be particularly difficult due to the challenges many in our community have faced due to COVID-19.

“However, every year we are blown away by the goodwill of our residents to support these families with thousands of individual gifts and donations contributed and I have no doubt that this year will see the same level of generosity shown by those in a position to do so.”

The City of Wollongong Giving Tree will culminate with the Biker’s Toy Run on Saturday 4 December. The Toy Run features a convoy of riders from motorcycle clubs of the Illawarra who round up and deliver gift donations as they ride from Shellharbour to Crown Street Mall Wollongong.

“Our community’s acts of kindness have proven to make a difference in challenging times, and I imagine that this kindness will carry through the holiday season,” Ms Power said.

“So, if you’re in a place to, I encourage you to look at adding an extra gift to your list. It’s been a year like no other, so why not help bring a smile to a child’s face who might otherwise go without this Christmas.”

Please ensure to follow the Public Health Order when at our drop off locations, sign-in with the QR code at venues, get tested and stay home if you’re feeling unwell, and keep mask wearing when it’s appropriate to do so.

Gifts can be dropped off at the following locations by Sunday 5 December:

  • Dapto Mall, Moombara Street Dapto
  • Corrimal Village (formerly Lederer Corrimal), 270 Princes Highway Corrimal
  • Warrawong Plaza, Corner King and Cowper Street Warrawong
  • Wollongong Central, 200 Crown Street Wollongong
  • Crown Street Mall, Wollongong (outdoor location)
  • South Coast Floor Coverings, 299 Keira Street Wollongong (outdoor location)

Online donations can be made at any time through Saint Vincent de Paul Society’s fundraising page or Anglicare’s donation webpage.

For more information please visit our Christmas in Wollongong page.


Want more Council news?

Visit our News page to find out what's happening in your community, or sign up for e-news.