In 2019, Leeanne Clement was on the road for Christmas, shooting the breeze, living a comfortable carefree life; in 2020, she was biding her time for a Christmas miracle.
In February 2020, Leeanne – after years of living on the road, completely self-sufficient – had to provide for herself and her granddaughter after her daughter suddenly died.
She found a place in Kyabram and set up so that her granddaughter could focus on her studies, but since then, every week has been hard for Leeanne and Christmas has been downright difficult.
Not only does Leeanne have to bring a slice of Christmas magic for her granddaughter, but she also hosts her other grandchildren who visit from Rosebud.
With every dollar stretched thin for essential bills and food, the heartbreaking reality of a sparse Christmas tree loomed large for Leeanne's family.
But almost like a Christmas miracle, The Salvos’ Christmas Cheer program shone like a light on Leeanne and her family.
The Christmas Cheer program brings festive joy to struggling families by providing essential food vouchers, financial assistance and carefully selected toys for children.
For Leeanne, she never would have imagined she would be asking a charity for help at Christmas, but since taking that step, it’s something she has never taken for granted.
“You feel in (her grandchildren’s) eyes that Nana can do anything, Nana can achieve anything,” Leeanne said.
“But for years now, financially, things are getting harder and harder. The power bills are going up and food is going up and it’s been getting harder and harder.
“But, when I go see Jacky (Targett) she’s always got a smile on her face, she’s happy, and she’s got presents – and it gives you a bit of a kick-start and motivation to get in there and enjoy Christmas.”
Kyabram Salvos Captain Jacky Targett has been running the Christmas Cheer program since she was appointed to the town in 2021.
She said it was becoming increasingly important that the community gets behind individuals who need it the most.
“(The program) is for anyone who’s not doing too well at Christmas … it can be anybody who’s unwell, or who has financial difficulties, whose hours or wages are being cut, or for those who just can’t do it and know it’s going to be really tough to get through the year,” Capt Targett said.
“People feel under pressure to deliver around Christmas … they feel like they have to put on a special dinner or give gifts and the rest of it and, so, they’re under pressure.”
Capt Targett said, especially for those battling long-term illness, the joy of giving at Christmas often felt out of reach.
The Salvos step in, offering support and comfort, ensuring these individuals can still experience the warmth of the season.
“If we can put even just an extra piece of food in their pantry, we’ve done our job.”
Leeanne said it was difficult making the first contact with The Salvos because reaching out meant her coming to the realisation that this was her last resource to make her grandchildren happy at Christmas.
“It was belittling to have to go and ask …. it was so embarrassing, it was so humbling, it was so belittling – but (The Salvos) didn’t make you feel that way,” Leeanne said.
“I realised then what it actually took for a person to ask for help – they wouldn’t be asking if they didn’t need it.”
While it is still a struggle for Leeanne and her family at Christmas, it is not as stressful knowing she has the backing of The Salvos.
Not only does she get a present for her granddaughter, The Salvos also provide presents for her visiting grandchildren and enough food to feed her entire family with a delicious Christmas dinner.
“To find that extra money for Christmas, for presents, for food, for petrol … it’s hard to find that extra when you’ve still got to pay for electricity that week ... I was surviving week to week,” Leeanne said.
“But now, you get a food hamper as well … normally I’m not able to afford soft drink, but to get that at Christmas time, with no judgment, it’s just amazing.
“They’ve helped fill those gaps — and the gap under the tree.”
This Christmas, Kyabram Salvos are asking community members to think of individuals like Leeanne for the annual Christmas Cheer fundraiser.
Community members are urged to bring their generous donations of gifts, vouchers, food and cash to The Salvos Shop by Friday, December 13, to ensure timely distribution to those in need this Christmas.
Capt Targett also asked anyone going Christmas shopping to buy an extra toy for kids who are not as fortunate.
These toys could be a soft toy or plush, a book, Lego, arts and crafts materials or anything that would make a child happy unwrapping it at Christmas time.
Anyone who needs help this Christmas with either getting food on the table or making the kids happy with a small gift can fill out a Christmas Cheer application.
These applications can be found at the Salvation Army shop and need to be returned to the shop by Friday, December 13.
All households who fill out an application will receive a small hamper, a small number of vouchers and children over 12 years old get toys and extras as available.
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