Council staff spread Christmas cheer with annual Giving Tree

A decade after the very first Griffith City Council Giving Tree was established staff continue to spread Christmas cheer.

The Griffith City Council Giving Tree is a way to provide gifts and grocery items for families who might otherwise go without at Christmas.

The project is coordinated by Council’s Water Billing Officer Tammy Iemma who launched the Giving Tree 10 years ago.

“We started the Giving Tree in 2009 after a life changing experience with my husband, the generosity and support we received from so many people in Griffith made me want to give back to the community,” said Mrs Iemma.

“With Christmas being my favourite time of year, the Griffith City Council Giving Tree was born. With the assistance of Council Staff it has now become a tradition.”

All Christmas gift and food donations are delivered to St Vincent De Paul a few weeks before Christmas and with the help of volunteers distributed out to the communities who need it most.

“With the charitable staff here at Griffith City Council our Giving Tree continues to grow and is bigger each year,” said Mrs Iemma.

Griffith City Council Mayor, Cr John Dal Broi, said he was delighted to see Council staff support the initiative again this year.

“I’m sure these gifts help to take a little bit of pressure off families experiencing financial, health or drought-related hardship over Christmas,” Cr Dal Broi said.

“I want to congratulate Council staff for the generosity they have shown, this year and over so many years.”

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