Another Christmas has been and gone and so too another successful OC Connections (OCC) Christmas Tree Fundraiser.
Our largest fundraiser of the year, 2019 was no exception. In the month of December, we sold over 1300 trees with the help of over 120 volunteers who we rely on to sell, transport, bail, and select trees for members of the community.
The strong contingent of volunteers included family, friends, participants, community members and staff as well as community and corporate groups including Caulfield Grammar School, Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Sypaq – Engineering and Systems Integration, Diversified Communications, Clayton Church of Christ, Mazenod Panthers, Chadstone Toyota, HESTA, ANZ, MLC Insurance and Wendy Brooks Consulting.
The resounding feedback from our volunteer “Christmas cheerleaders” was that the experience was a fun way to interact with colleagues and other members of the community along with the knowledge of supporting a good cause.
Our customers also had fun when coming to look for the perfect tree, with many return customers who have purchased trees each year from us for up to 20 plus years.
“Helping families select their Christmas tree was a lot of fun and knowing that all the money raised was going to such an amazing organisation was humbling and rewarding.” David Vicino, Managing Director, Sypaq.
Thank you also to Steve Dimopoulos MP, State Member for Oakleigh District and Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, who continues to show his support of OCC and our Christmas Festival.
It was great to see so many people bring their Christmas spirit and can-do attitude and have a bit of fun along the way, including participants: Alison, Lynne, Laurel, Vassi, Greg C, Erica T, Bernadette and Kathleen F.
The tremendous efforts of our team saw another generous profit up from last year. Proceeds from the sale of the trees and decorations go towards OCC’s Achieve Fund.
There are many things that the NDIS is not able to fund – things that many of us take for granted. Through OCC’s Achieve Fund, all donations and fundraising received go to assist participants, to do things or have things that they would otherwise not have or be able to experience.
There are a number of ways you can donate to OC Connections:
Online at www.occonnections.org/donate/
By calling (03) 9569 0603, Monday – Friday, 8.30 am – 5 pm
In person at 773 Warrigal Road Oakleigh, Monday – Friday, 8.30 am – 5 pm
By post to OC Connections, PO Box 127, Oakleigh VIC 3166.
Alternatively, we are happy to speak with you personally about ways in which you can support us (for example, by leaving a bequest in your will).
Many of you share our vision for a world in which people with disabilities can realise their own goals and dreams and live like everyone else in the community.
