Contributed by Val France
FOR families living in transitional accommodation, Christmas can be an especially difficult time marked by uncertainty, loss and disruption rather than celebration.
This year, generosity from the Maleny community and local business Rosetta Books will help bring comfort and joy to 69 children across the Sunshine Coast, each receiving a new, age-appropriate book to unwrap on Christmas Day.
For the third consecutive year, Rosetta Books has partnered with Speak Up Now Stop Domestic and Family Violence (Maleny and the Blackall Range) to collect, sort and wrap donated books for children staying in Salvation Army women’s shelters and Coast to Bay/Rise2 transitional housing.
The Salvation Army collected the gifts on December 15, ensuring they will reach children and families before Christmas.
Speak Up Now spokesperson Val France said the initiative was a simple but powerful way to remind children they are seen, valued and cared for.
“We all hope for a future where no child suffers because of family violence,” Ms France said. “Until then, community support like this brings light and hope during what can be a very challenging season.”
The initiative also aims to raise awareness of the ongoing prevalence of domestic and family violence, which places significant demand on police and support services, particularly during the holiday period.
Speak Up Now encourages community members to help by modelling respectful behaviour, calling out disrespect when it occurs, supporting those affected, and learning where help is available. Support services include 1800 RESPECT, available by phone or online.