Family retailer BIG W is set to bring festive cheer while aiding seriously ill children with Australia’s first charity event of its kind, the BIG Wrapathon. The unique event is being held on Saturday December 7th, and will see local celebs, including Sam Costello, and community volunteers team up with BIG W staff across all their South Australian stores to wrap gifts for a gold coin donation.
Taking place from 10am to 4pm, the BIG Wrapathon will be hosted at the front of BIG W stores, with Sam Costello stationed at BIG W Port Adelaide, assisting shoppers with their Christmas gift wrapping and contributing to a vital cause.
The festive period is typically a time for family celebrations; however, for many Australian children and their families, this time can mean prolonged hospital stays. Recognising this, BIG W has launched a special charity wrapping paper adorned with designs created by children who have benefited from the support of BIG W’s national hospital network. This heartwarming wrapping paper is available both in stores and online for $5, with all proceeds designated for aiding these children and their families.
Focusing on the impact of these contributions, BIG W has announced an additional donation of $20,000 to the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation. This contribution will support crucial programs that aim to bring comfort and joy to sick children and their families during the Christmas season and beyond.
Dan Hake, Managing Director of BIG W, shared, “The BIG Wrapathon is the gift that keeps on giving. Not only will customers save time getting their gifts wrapped by local celebrities in a fun local community event, but their gold coin donation directly supports children and families in South Australia.”
Further extending their fundraising efforts, BIG W has introduced $2 tokens designed by children from the Children’s Hospital Network. Available for purchase until December 24th, these tokens form part of a broader fundraising initiative spanning various states. Proceeds from the tokens, special charity wrap, and the Wrapathon will benefit several hospital foundations and children’s health research projects across Australia.
Verity Gobbett, Head of Mission at the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation, shared her appreciation for the ongoing partnership with BIG W, saying, “BIG W has partnered with the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation for over 4 years, and we are excited to continue that partnership with support from their BIG W Community Christmas Appeal.”
She continued, “Christmas is a time of joy, warmth, and family, but for many children, it is also a time of facing serious health challenges away from home. The funds raised through BIG W’s Community Christmas Appeal will directly support hospital programs across the country, including Play Therapists.”
Play therapists play a pivotal role in alleviating distress and anxiety among young patients, helping them through their hospital experiences with therapeutic play.
This Christmas, BIG W and its partners encourage the community to participate generously in the BIG Wrapathon, making a significant difference in the lives of children and families enduring health challenges.
Find out more at https://www.bigw.com.au/community
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