Jessie is a mother of 6 and a grandmother of 5 with one more on the way. She has had a difficult background of family violence, but she has shown so much strength to improve her life. Christmas is her favourite time of the year and Jessie said, “no one should go without at Christmas, especially kids.”
There was a time when Jessie had nothing at Christmas and didn’t celebrate at all. Another time her power and gas were turned off because she chose to buy gifts rather than to keep on top of her bills.
The Ballarat Christmas Appeal has assisted Jessie over the years by providing children’s toys for her family. This has meant that she has been able to keep on top of bills and provide a Christmas meal for her family.
These days Jessie celebrates Christmas with her entire family and cooks for about 20 people. She also volunteers for the Salvation Army and gives back directly to vulnerable people who were once like her. “I love helping people”, says Jessie of her various roles which include cooking in the Café Meals program, helping with the Christmas Cheer program and an Admin role.
Jessie especially likes helping people pick gifts for their children. She says it can be quite an emotional experience when they find something that they know their child will love.
Jessie’s top tips for gift giving for the Ballarat Christmas Appeal include pull along toys for babies, Bluey toys for the younger ones, Barbie and Grogu toys for preteens and gifts suited for teens such as toiletries, sporting equipment, branded caps and PJs. She wants to remind people not to wrap the gifts, so that parents can choose that special gift for their child.
Jessie’s attitude encourages others to be joyful, charitable and kind. Help others’ experience a wonderful Christmas this year, you generosity will directly help many families in Ballarat just like Jessie’s.