This project was the brainchild of ex-Rotarians Gail and John Law in 2005 who approached Corowa's Supa IGA and St Vincent de Paul to assist with helping locals who were doing it tough at Christmas time.

Each year in the lead up to Christmas an area at the Corowa Supa IGA is set up for people to leave donations of non-perishable food. These gifts are given to the local branch of St Vincent de Paul to distribute to local families in need at Christmas time.

This program is non-denominational and all donations are distributed locally.

2025-01-08 FP 96 Christmas hampers!

The Corowa St Vincent de Paul Conference President, Roz Willett praised the local community for their valuable ongoing support during the Conference Local 2024 Christmas Hamper project.

"I would like to thank everyone for their involvement over the past three months with our annual hamper program, donating and providing support that enabled an outstanding 96 food hampers to be distributed within our communities” Roz said.

There was a terrific response to the annual Corowa IGA Giving Tree sponsored by Corowa Rotary and a Rutherglen IGA Giving Tree was equally well supported by customers with donated goods. The Corowa St Mary's Parish added to the food collection through the Church Giving Tree.

Uncle Toby's continued their annual support, arranging with conference members to collect pallets stacked with cereal cartons and food-bar packs.

The Revamp Op Shop and Craft run by St Andrews Presbyterian Church, donated another substantial amount for hamper items.

The Corowa Lions Club supplied delicious Christmas cakes, with an additional ten generous hampers prepared by Lions' members to complement the 86 packed by the Vinnies Conference team.

Local and district youth demonstrated that sharing with those in need is a basic part of our education program and culture.

"We thank the teachers, parents and children of St Mary's Primary, the Corowa High School, together with the Corowa and Corowa South Public Schools for their magnificent collections of non-perishable items that helped stock the Christmas hampers, and a special thanks to Alan & Wendy Robb, Corowa Pump Shop for their very generous support” Roz said.

Many other individuals, who wish to remain anonymous provided cash donations directed to food purchases, and Jan McKechnie baked special gingerbread biscuits as extra hamper delicacies.

The Vinnies Centre and conference volunteers are very thankful and proud to be working within such generous communities, that are so willing to help those needing a helping hand.

"This is an achievement to be proud of, and only possible through the generous contributions of so many.”

"Thank you one and all for your support,” Roz concluded.

COROWA FREE PRESS -  Wednesday 13 November 2024

Christmas Giving Tree

Members of the St. Vincent de Paul and the Rotary Club of Corowa have organised the Christmas Giving Tree at Waldron's Fresh on River - IGA Supermarket for people to leave donations of non-perishable food items over the next six weeks prior to Christmas.

All items received will be collected by the Vinnies Conference team for their annual Christmas Hamper project.

Through the generous support received from our community, the conference members anticipate packing over B0 pre-ordered hampers for collection on Wednesday, December 18.

The focus this year is on non-perishable foods and all donations will be very much appreciated. Local people looking to receive a Christmas hamper, or any assistance can call 0417 119 820, Monday to Friday 9am - 4.30pm.

PICTURED: Sandra Drum (Vinnies), Craig Waldron (IGA Manager), Gary Poidevin (Rotary); front: Roz Willett (Vinnies), Kerrie Crawford (Rotary).

2021-11-15 Christmas Giving Tree

Corowa Rotary Club, St Vincent de Paul and Waldron's Fresh on River once again have our giving tree set up for our wonderful community to donate non perishable food items, so that we all can have a great Christmas. Thank you.