The two organisations have launched the Christmas Joy Drive to collect gifts for clients of the Pathfinders SHS service and other members of the community who are doing it tough.

A small but dedicated team set up a Christmas tree and holiday decorations as donation drop off point at the Inverell RSM on Friday, November 24. Donations will be accepted through to Thursday, December 21.

Community members are asked to donate a new or ‘gently used’ gifts for the cause.

If the gift is wrapped, organisers ask for a tag describing the contents to be attached to the gift so it can be distributed appropriately.

Support worker Ashleigh Taylor said a simple gift could go a long way for those who may not have a home or the resources to traditionally celebrate Christmas.

“On any given night in Australia, 100,000 Australians are homeless,” she said.

“One simple act of generosity can go a long way for the young people who may be homeless or going through a tough time right now, and any gift, big or small, would show them that they are still cared for and are valued members of our community.”

Ms Taylor said that often locals underestimated how many people were living rough in the Inverell district. 

“I think people don’t really understand that there is quite a large quantity out there who are homeless or at risk of homelessness,” she said.

“Of our statistics over a 12 month period, we have over 600 clients that come through our door. That includes our refuge as well.”

She said that Christmas was a tough time for some, and that many seek assistance as the holiday season approaches. 

For more information on the Christmas Joy Drive, contact the Pathfinders Specialist Homelessness

Services on 6720 8865 or Jess Daley on jessd@pathfinders.ngo.