For Christine, it has always been important to help people less fortunate and support initiatives that make a difference in the world. She began sponsoring children through ChildFund more than 27 years ago, and donates to several different charities. In addition to helping disadvantaged children, Christine is passionate about environmental causes, animal welfare and women’s empowerment.
“I would have been a working mum with three children at the time I started supporting ChildFund, but it was important to me to give back,” the former registered nurse says.
“I’m very lucky to live in Australia, and my children and grandchildren are too. I see these poor children and I think, I want to help them, even if it’s in a small way.
“I feel that we’re given a lot in Australia. A lot of people in other countries don’t have the support that we have.”
Today, Christine sponsors 15-year-old Temwa from Zambia through ChildFund, and she has been donating Gifts for Good for the past two years.
In addition to the gifts that Michaela and Lachlan chose from this year’s Gifts for Good catalogue, Christine also donated food to vulnerable families as her Christmas gift to her son.
“Buying Gifts for Good is such a good thing to do to help children,” Christine says. “I would recommend that others buy Gifts for Good this year and not buy things that are going to be thrown in the cupboard or thrown out. Do something for somebody instead.
“Children get so much at Christmas; it’s nice if people can think of children not as fortunate.”