2000

12th December 2000
Community Partnership Brings Christmas Spirit to Kids
Amy (not her real name) is three years old, and a participant in Centacare's "Aunts and Uncles" program.

Her Christmas will be extra special, thanks to the generosity of the Australian Hotels Association Hunter Branch which has donated Christmas gifts to Centacare's "Aunts and Uncles" program.

This program offers regular and ongoing respite care to children from families who are socially and or economically disadvantaged. Children between the ages of three and fourteen spend one weekend a month with a care-giving person or family.

The "Aunts and Uncles" program aims to both alleviate the crises for the childrens' families, and to provide children with enriching relationships and experiences outside the family.

"For families who are already experiencing economic and social difficulties, Christmas can be a time of additional stress and pressure," Helen Keevers, Centacare's Childrens' Services Manager said. "The families in our 'Aunts and Uncles' program might not enjoy the benefits of a network of extended family and friends. We thank the Australian Hotels Association Hunter Branch for helping to make Christmas a more enjoyable experience for these families".

President of the Australian Hotels Association Hunter Branch, Mr Bruce Woods, also believes that the AHA and Centacare have formed "a great partnership for now and the future! This is the second year we have supported Centacare's 'Aunts and Uncles' program. Our members want to give something back to the community. We hope other groups will follow our lead".

The gifts will be officially presented to Amy, her mother and her caring family on behalf of the "Aunts and Uncles" program on Thursday afternoon (December 14) at Centacare's Newcastle Office: 845 Hunter Street, Newcastle West.

All media are warmly welcomed at 3.30pm, and great pictures are guaranteed!

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