The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust will gift more than 2700 eggs and toys to 18 Brisbane charities this Easter.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said more people had been relying on support from local charities during the global coronavirus pandemic and the Trust’s Easter donations would bring joy to local children and their families who would otherwise go without.

“Coronavirus has seen a huge surge in demand for local charities, with the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust receiving a 350 per cent increase in the number of charities asking for help,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Food relief charities are having to turn people away each week; domestic violence charity RizeUp reported a 27 per cent increase in demand; and crisis accommodation at some not-for-profits remains at full capacity year round.

“Our Easter appeal is about easing the burden and spreading hope and cheer among children who would otherwise go without the joy of chocolate and presents.”

RizeUp Australia helps families impacted by domestic violence make the transition from crisis accommodation to safer, more permanent homes and is among 16 deserving not-for-profits receiving a share of Easter eggs and toys.

RizeUp CEO Nicolle Edwards said domestic and family violence had become a ‘shadow pandemic’ since the onset of coronavirus with rates skyrocketing due to increased social isolation, increased stress and increased alcohol consumption.

“You can’t put a value on a child’s smile,” Ms Edwards said.

“While gifts of chocolate and toys may seem like a small gesture, the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust Easter will make a huge difference in the lives of those children who are adjusting to a new life, free of domestic and family violence.”

CHARITIES RECEIVING TOYS AND EGGS:

  • Baby Give Back
  • Childhood Cancer Support
  • Beyond DV
  • Hope Foundation
  • Love and Hope Redlands
  • Family and Kids Care Foundation
  • Inala Family Accommodation and Support Service
  • RizeUp Australia
  • Southside Community Care
  • The Carers Foundation
  • AEIOU Foundation
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Five Bridges
  • Mangrove Housing
  • Silky Oak Children’s Haven
  • UnitingCare Community – Koolkuna/Kalparrin Women’s Refuge and Clare Homes
  • Y-Care (South East Queensland) Inc. – Cannon Hill Community Centre
  • Y-Care (South East Queensland) Inc. – YMCA Vocational School