Lutheran Care has been warmed by the incredible generosity demonstrated by schools and other organisations who supported our 12 Days of Giving campaign this year, giving hundreds of families that we support a brighter Christmas.  

A significant number of donations were received in 2024 making it our most successful 12 Days of Giving campaign to date. Schools supported Lutheran Care from all across the state, including: 

• Concordia College 

• St Paul Lutheran School, Blair Athol 

• Maitland Lutheran School 

• St Michael’s Lutheran School, Hahndorf 

• Good Shepherd Lutheran School, Para Vista 

• Light Pass Primary School 

• Redeemer Lutheran School, Nuriootpa  

• Immanuel Lutheran School, Gawler 

While these were just some of the school communities that collected donations this year, we also received much-needed items from workplaces and Lutheran congregations.  

As a way to encourage children to learn about the joy of giving and helping others at Christmas time, Lutheran Care’s 12 Days of Giving is described as a ‘reverse’ Advent calendar. 

The campaign is a 12-day challenge for children and their families, where they can actively support local people doing it tough in their communities by donating grocery and other essential items to Lutheran Care. To get involved, all families have to do is find the items in their pantry or add it to their shopping list. 

Donations included items such as canned food, pasta, noodles and essential hygiene items and have been given to Lutheran Care’s Emergency Relief clients through our Christmas Hampers program.  

Through this program, Lutheran Care has so far shared love and Christmas cheer with more than 350 South Australian families, including nearly 800 children. 

Lutheran Care’s Chief Executive Officer Rohan Feegrade said the generosity of schools participating in the 12 Days of Giving campaign is truly inspiring. 

“The incredible volume of donations collected through this initiative not only helps with Christmas hampers for individuals and families over the Christmas period, but it also puts us in good stead with stock for our Emergency Relief Pantry to ensure we can continue to support and help those in need during challenging times,” Mr Feegrade said.  

“These partnerships are vital, not only for the immediate impact they have on our ability to provide essential services but also for the invaluable lesson they impart to young people about the spirit of giving.  

“By coming together as a community, we teach the next generation the importance of empathy, generosity, and supporting those who need it most. We are deeply grateful for the support and compassion shown by the schools, students, and their families.” 

Our annual Christmas Hampers brings joy to families in the Barossa Valley and Adelaide’s northern suburbs each year and you can read more about 2024’s hampers here. 

Lutheran Care would like to thank everyone who contributed to making our 12 Days of Giving campaign so successful this year and helping to give those in our local communities a brighter holiday season and happier New Year. 

Christmas Appeal 2024 

You can still help families experiencing hardship this Christmas by donating to Lutheran Care’s 2024 Christmas Appeal. Our Christmas Appeal is ongoing and unfortunately, we, like many charities, are experiencing a downturn in donations, with many of our regular supporters being unable to give or give as much due to the current cost of living crisis.  

If you’re in a position to donate, we need your help to bring families experiencing crisis and poverty some relief this Christmas and hope for a happier new year ahead, please donate today.