Nurses gift of giving to make Christmas brighter

The child protection unit at Townsville University Hospital (TUH) has taken charge of a special Christmas gift appeal to give back to victim survivors of domestic violence this Christmas season. 

Townsville University Hospital clinical nurse Chole Gage doubles as the team leader for the Townsville RizeUp Hub, the organisation leading the Christmas appeal. 

RizeUp Australia is a national organisation dedicated to providing essential items and creating safe, personalised spaces to help victim survivors of domestic violence start fresh. 

Chole said the Christmas appeal was one of the most important fundraisers of the year. 

“Seeing people experience domestic violence at what is meant to be the happiest time of the year hits close to home for not only our team in the child protection unit, but across the community,” Ms Gage said. 

In 2024, 85 Australian women lost their lives to domestic violence. 

“Most people know someone affected by domestic violence,” Ms Gage said. 

“It doesn’t discriminate, which is why it’s important for us to do something to help even in a small way.” 

Chole said the team had put the call out for donations of Christmas presents for kids and parents escaping domestic and family violence and spending Christmas in shelters or out of
home. 

“It’s a way for us to bring a little bit of normalcy to Christmas for these families,” Chole said. 

“We’re asking for gifts not only for children, but for the whole family so that parents are able to choose a gift for their children and the children can choose a gift for their parent. 

“This gives them a little sense of ownership in the whole process which is a vital aspect of the appeal. 

“We had an incredible response last year with the office full of presents, and we are hoping to see the same this year.” 

Donations of new gifts can be dropped off at TUH’s child protection unit until Wednesday 18 December. 

For more information on the Christmas appeal and other drop off locations contact donate@rizeup.com.au or for information on how to join the RizeUp team contact volunteer@rizeup.com.au.