St John WA donates record number of Christmas gifts for children in need

Hundreds of children will be smiling this year thanks to the generosity of St John WA team members who donated a record number of presents for the annual Anglicare Giving Tree appeal.

Team members from 17 metropolitan and regional sites across the state contributed to the haul of brand new toys and gifts for children who might otherwise go without at Christmas.

Chief People Officer Rene Anderson, along with a small army of St John helpers, hosted members of the Anglicare WA team this week for the handover. 

“The Giving Tree is a cause our people love to get behind every year,” Rene said.

“Donating a gift is a small but powerful way we can show we care for those less fortunate.” 

“Achieving a ‘personal best’ with more than 900 gifts so far is something the whole St John WA team can be proud of.”  

Mark Glasson, Anglicare WA Chief Executive Officer, was joined by Anglicare WA’s Bec Stott, General Manager Philanthropy, and Kelly Keal, Community Engagement Manager – Philanthropy and Enterprise, along with members of the Brand & Communications team for the handover on December 3.

The dozens of gifts collected from across the metropolitan area were then packed into two ambulances and transported from state office to Anglicare WA in East Perth, where they will be carefully prepared and delivered to girls and boys from newborn to 17 years old across Western Australia.

On behalf of their clients, many more vulnerable this year than ever before, Mr Glasson expressed Anglicare’s gratitude – both for this year’s record generosity, and for the ongoing partnership between our organisations. 

Running for seven years, the partnership between St John WA and Anglicare WA has seen more than 4900 gifts donated to the Giving Tree overall.