Canberra’s children in crisis and emergency care on Christmas Day are to receive a special gift from a local charity created by an ACT Policeman seven years ago.
Kids in Care ACT was set up by Detective Sergeant John Giles in 2013 after he and his team attended a job at Christmas time and found four small children who had been neglected.
Board member of Kids in Care, Detective Senior Constable Alex Uren (pictured) said many charities were affected by COVID-19 this year, including Kids in Care.
“What is incredible is that thanks to the overwhelming support of the Canberra community, we have been able to raise as much as we have in previous years,” DS Constable Uren said.
“Every year, we’re overcome by the generosity of the Canberra community and local businesses in supporting this wonderful charity,” she said.
“Since 2013, Kids in Care has grown to a point where we can now supply gifts to all children supported by Child and Youth Protection Services not only at Christmas time but throughout the year.”
DS Constable Uren said gifts would be given to children with foster carers, emergency carers, people providing temporary accommodation, and children being looked after by extended family as well as to other families that may be struggling.
“This Christmas we are providing a present (of their choice) to more than 600 Children, things like bikes, games, lego and dolls,” she said.
DS Constable Uren said Kids in Care had also expanded to provide ‘Go Bags’ for children put into last minute emergency or foster care.
“Go Bags are made for each of the age groups and contained in a backpack are important items such as clothes, toiletries, books and toys to make the transition a little easier,” she said.
“I’d like to pass on my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated or supported the cause this year.”
DS Constable Uren said the Kids in Care team would be wrapping gifts outside Big W stores is Woden and Gungahlin for a gold coin donation every Saturday in December until Christmas.
