“It started out as just giving out food vouchers to needy families years ago,” said Paul Clements, one of the St Vincent de Paul organisers. “Then somebody suggested we give food as well, and it has gone on from there.”

Parishioners from Hornsby Parish and Wahroonga Parish, as well as families from Our Lady of the Rosary Primary and St Leo’s College provide the hampers. They don’t just provide one or two items to go in a hamper, an individual or family chooses a family to help and makes up the whole hamper for that family. 

Last year there was approximately $18,000 worth of food and gifts in the hampers.

“It truly is a team effort with the whole community to deliver these hampers to the needy,” said Paul. “I am astounded at the willingness for everyone to help out.” 

All hampers are delivered by volunteers directly to families in need two weeks before Christmas, making sure that there Christmas will be just that little bit brighter.