Australian Mutual Bank staff help spread festive cheer at the 2023 Special Children’s Christmas Party.
On the 6th December 2023, staff from Australian Mutual Bank attended the 2023 Sydney Special Children’s Christmas Party held at Rosehill Garden to accompany underprivileged children and help them enjoy a day of festive fun.
The Special Children’s Christmas Parties aim to give marginalised children the chance to enjoy the magic of the festive season in a safe and welcoming environment. The event provides a unique experience for children with special needs or those from disadvantaged circumstances who may otherwise miss out at Christmas time.
The children chaperoned by our two staff volunteers Tania and Kagiso enjoyed a day full of fun activities which included meeting Santa and his reindeer, dancing and watching the wonderful live shows, face painting, lots of fun rides and more.
Staff member Kagiso experienced the magical day for the first time this year, stating that the opportunity was a wonderful way to give back to those less fortunate. “It was a rewarding day to assist the children, and help them take part in various activities that they were interested in. I helped to guide some of the children around, and they seemed amused when they saw a fire truck and a police car outside. As we made our way inside, we collected show bags stuffed with various toys, treats and stationary items. We then visited a jumping castle, where the children had fun jumping around and when that finished, the children enjoyed lots of yummy food and had ice-cream for dessert. It was nice to see the children having a really nice time.”
After having a wonderful time at the event last year, Tania was excited to put her hand up to volunteer again this year. “For me, this was the second year in a row I have volunteered for the Rosehill Special Children’s Christmas event. It’s always a great opportunity to give back something which is really nothing to us but means a lot the kids.”
For Tania, having the opportunity to support the work of Barnardos is something dear to her heart. “I have a soft spot for Barnardos and what they do because they have helped me when my son was in hospital. My son spent his first Christmas in hospital and Barnardos went to great lengths to make sure all the kids in all the wards feel the Christmas spirit even when they are away from home and their families. Being able to participate and help at the Special Children’s Christmas Party is an awesome feeling. It’s so great to see all the kids faces light up when they see the gifts and treats waiting for them.”.
The Special Children's Christmas Parties have been running for over 25 years, and the children that are invited to attend are those experiencing serious illness, intellectual or physical impairment, or living in underprivileged circumstances. The opportunity to be involved with such an event is an amazing opportunity to give back to those in need during the festive season and to help support the work of Barnardos Australia.
