Building upon existing relationships that the Rotary Club of Central Melbourne, Vic, had with Concern Australia and Lentara Uniting, the club partnered with the TAL Insurance office in Melbourne to establish an annual Tree of Joy in 2013 under then President Doug Robertson.
The project involves TAL Insurance employees donating gifts for children and families supported by Concern Australia’s Steps Outreach and Lentara Uniting Asylum Seeker programs, and aims to provide some Christmas cheer to families who are struggling financially.
Steps Outreach supports young people experiencing homelessness with long-term relational and practical support, such as advocacy, referrals and material aid. They journey with young people and their families toward a positive future.
Lentara Uniting provides support to asylum seekers as they await the outcome of their claim for protection.
Assistance includes accommodation support, living allowance, material aid and casework.
Recognising that there was an opportunity to provide more gifts to children supported by Steps Outreach and Lentara Uniting than the employees of TAL Insurance could provide, the club has expanded the project in 2024 to also involve Zurich Insurance and KLM Spatial and expect to provide approximately 200 gifts to disadvantaged children and families.
In the coming year, the club will look for additional companies to participate in this project and explore opportunities for involving the employees of TAL Insurance, Zurich Insurance and KLM Spatial in other service projects.