CHRISTMAS 4 KIDS @ Unidus Community Centre!
Christmas 4 Kids (C4K) is the signature event of Hands of Hope, the community arm of Hope Church Brisbane. C4K has been running in the South-Western suburbs of Brisbane since 2003, and this year, for the very first time, it was held at Hope Church’s very own facilities - Unidus Community Centre!
C4K was extra special this year with ‘The Musical’ spectacular, a ‘broadway style’ musical performance by our very own Hope Church volunteers. The Musical presented the nativity story in a colourful, fun and engaging way – the kids loved it!
This year, 400 people from the local community attended the event. Because Hope Church congregation has finally ‘moved into the local neighbourhood’ by holding ongoing church services and other activities at Unidus, we are now finally able to connect with the local community on a more ongoing basis. Many bridges and connections were established with children and families at C4K this year – they were all invited to attend our Christmas service and other events. Some volunteers held an outreach Christmas BBQ which was attended by 3 pre-believing families who were very touched by their gestures.
C4K was partly funded by Hope Church as well as the local council (Brisbane City Council). Hope Church congregations generously donated over 30 hampers which were given directly to some families on welfare, and to families who attended C4K.We are thankful for the ongoing support from local community agencies who attend C4K with heaps of goodies for the kids. We are also thankful for the local polititians who donated hampers, provided small grants, and took time out of their busy schedules to attend C4K.
Moving into Unidus gives Hope Church more of a local presence, which means we have more opportunities to be an ongoing blessing to people in the area. We are planning a number of activities in the coming year, including an after-school Homework/Tutoring program for kids/teens, dance workshops, sporting activities, and more.
Written by Lisa Leung
