Christmas Charity Trolley Drive

The Berry Merry Christmas Charity Trolley Drive is an initiative instigated by Berry local, Michelle Sullivan, with support from the Berry Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

The aim

The aim of the Charity Trolley Drive is for businesses, organisations and the community to come together in collecting non-perishable food items, Christmas treats, toiletries, and toys, to be distributed to those in need by local Shoalhaven Charities in the lead up to Christmas.

Several generous local businesses and community organisations have nominated themselves to act as public collection points for the donation of items. Others are conducting collections privately within their organisation. See below for participating business and organisations.

On the evening of Berry Merry Christmas, Saturday 2nd December, the collected goods will be paraded in decorated shopping trolleys as part of the Grand Santa Parade.

The charity

Collected goods will be donated to local charity The Shoalhaven Homeless Hub.

The Shoalhaven Homeless Hub, located in Junction Street Nowra, is a drop in centre for homeless people, and those at risk of homelessness. It offers showering, washing and drying, and kitchen facilities, as well as access to computers, email and telephones. It also helps refer clients to government and welfare support services, to find accommodation and provides regular programmes of counselling and other assistance from other local welfare groups. The Hub is often a client’s first main contact to help support and restore their pride and self-confidence. At present the Hub is assisting upwards of 20 people each day, which is on the increase. In September 2016 alone they assisted 200 people. The Hub is the lowest funded homeless service in the Shoalhaven area and relies heavily of the generosity of the community.

Items you can donate

We would love the community to participate by donating the following items:

• General non-perishable food items
• Christmas treats such as nuts, small puddings, biscuits or chocolates
• Personal items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, body wash (not soap)

Participating collection points

Public collection points in Berry

• The Berry Pharmacy
• Berry Post Office
• Berry Bowling Club
• Berry Community Church
• Berry Vet Clinic
• Bupa Berry

Other collection points in Berry

• Berry Community Pre School
• Berry Public School

Collection points beyond Berry

• Bushido Judo Club Sholhaven Heads

Don’t forget to come and watch the trolleys as part of the Grand Santa Parade from 5pm Saturday 2nd December.

Businesses contributing financially

We understand not all businesses can act as a collection point for goods so this year we have offered businesses the opportunity to contribute a monetary donation. If you are interested in contributing please contact the organisers.

 A huge thank you to everyone contributing!