Giving hope to children this Christmas

To ensure Christmas is a time for celebration and not a time of crisis, North Melbourne Victoria Police hosted their annual Christmas toy and food drive.

As with previous years, North Melbourne Police Station aims to brighten up Christmas by partnering up with Melbourne North Police community consultative committee.

The drive was dedicated to supporting children and families experiencing hardship over the holiday period.

“It’s a great way for local police and the community to come together and support those less fortunate at this time of the year, as well as those who will be spending Christmas at Ronald McDonald House,” Leading Senior Constable Nick Parissis told North West City News.

Mr Parissis was pleased the community were involved in the spirit of spreading Christmas happiness and leaving no one in need this season.

“We couldn’t ask for more, people have been very generous,” he said.

“I know it’s been a tough year for a lot of people, with financial strain on a lot of families but it’s great to see they still have that Christmas spirit of wanting to help people that are probably less fortunate than themselves.”

He said people went above and beyond, making it another successful fundraiser.

It’s been great we had a lot of donations this year which is fantastic. We had lots of toys, foods and non-perishable items which we can then pass on to Ronald McDonald House, The Venny and the children support service in Kensington.

This year, vulnerable families will be able to celebrate Christmas with the dignity of a festive meal and presents for their children.

Mr Parissis said fundraisers also give the police something to look forward to as their lifestyle can be overwhelming.

“It’s a great initiative for the communities to be able to support Ronald McDonald House and some of the other agencies that we help. But it’s also good for us as police to be able to go to these agencies.”

“Most times we go to the children’s hospital, and it might be for something traumatic, it might be road trauma, it could be family violence. But it’s great for us to go to Ronald McDonald House and actually do some good for them, being there in a positive way.”

Melbourne North police officers will deliver the donated toys to children at Levers Reserve, Parville on December 16, with Santa making a surprise visit.

Officers will also be showing off their police cars and motorbikes to the children and will be joined by an extra special hot rod show as well as reptiles and other animals.