The Real Pressie Club
Instead of buying into the excess of modern gift giving this year (after all, who needs “extra bric-a-brac”?!), have your celebration but put gift money towards helping children in care.
Kris Kringles, birthdays, anniversaries, (second) weddings, overcoming serious illness … whether it’s celebrating life’s milestones or team building, it gives us a sense of achievement.
But, says Graham McKern, Director of Development at MacKillop Family Services, the years don’t just bring wisdom and a cachet of presents, they bring us more detailed knowledge of those less fortunate. Like the children in out-of-home care with MacKillop.
“I often receive invitations from friends and family to celebrate a special occasion, and this can include a request for no gifts,” he said. “This sometimes makes me feel uncomfortable, as I really want to express my feelings for that person by giving them something.”
Mr McKern said The Real Pressie Club offered an alternative, and people could now make a gift to the Kids at MacKillop while celebrating special occasions.
“Just in Victoria, an average of 57 children go into care each week.”
He said MacKillop developed The Real Pressie Club to “gift a better life” to kids in care, improving life in the way that each individual child needs.
“It’s about respect and care. The Kids at MacKillop have all kinds of needs. All monies raised through The Real Pressie Club are allocated according to the actual needs of each child or young person in our care.”
Party guests or teams for Kris Kringles make donations to the Real Pressie Club via a special celebration page the host sets up. (Instructions are on the site, and there is a help number.)
Only recently established, The Real Pressie Club concept is about to extend to children’s parties (where the aim is to help parents teach their children about giving to others) and corporate functions as a substitute for Kris Kringle gifts.
“And not only do you have fun, all donations over $2 are tax deductible!” Mr McKern said.
“With Christmas coming up, forget ‘inappropriate’ Kris Kringle presents - corporate citizenship starts here: help kids in care while you party!”
For more information about The Real Pressie Club, or to get involved, visit www.realpressie.org.au.