CatholicCare Wollongong is launching the biggest Christmas appeal in its 40-year history. This year has seen a record number of people in our local community needing support.

Every year, CatholicCare staff and volunteers collect the names of people in our community who would benefit from receiving a gift of hope at Christmas time. This is often children in foster care, people living with disability and isolated seniors.

The Gifts of Hope Appeal is run in conjunction with the Bishop's office and Catholic Education, Wollongong who are helping to coordinate this appeal, which runs through the Macarthur, Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands.

"The aftermath of the pandemic is taking its toll on the most vulnerable people in the community, through financial stress, family crises and health issues", said Director Michael Austin.

"The number of people needing support has increased dramatically and we need the community to join us and help bring the gift of hope this Christmas", he said.

Your generosity can help local people feel hope and share in the joy of Christmas.

$30 will provide a special gift for a child in foster care.

$50 will give a gift for an older person living alone or living with disability.

$100 will gift a hamper for a family in need.

Or you can donate any amount you can afford to give.

To donate, simply select the 'Donate' tab on this website. All donations are tax deductible, and you will receive a receipt upon donation.

With your support, we can give the gift of hope to local people in need.