Bert Van Manen (Forde, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

We all know that Christmas is a time of joy and spending time with our families. But, sadly, there are many vulnerable people in our communities and we need to give them thought as well. I think of the families at risk of homelessness, single-income families, those living in care and our veterans. Thankfully, Christmas is also a time of giving, especially to those in need.

I'd like to take this opportunity to commend the good work of some local community groups and businesses across my electorate of Forde who strive to make Christmas special for these disadvantaged groups. This week, the volunteers at Loganlea Community Centre packed over 70 Christmas hampers that will be distributed to struggling families in our communities over the coming days. I was delighted to be able to do my bit and donate Christmas cakes to include in the hampers and help those who need to have a Merry Christmas.

This year also Mitre 10 Mega in Beenleigh, managed by Dave Woodman and the team, were very generous in their donations to the Palm Lake Resort 'toy boys' and supported them making toys for the children of Beenleigh Special School to add to the store's annual Christmas toy drive. Lighthouse Care in Logan is running a Christmas appeal. I want to thank all of these community groups for the terrific work they're doing each and every day in our community.

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