The agency’s mission was to spread the magic of creativity by supplying vulnerable children and teens in Coffs Harbour with art supplies that inspire imagination, growth, and expression.

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Through their Creative Coffs Christmas Gift Drive, Coast called on the community to donate creative supplies such as sketchbooks, paints, brushes, pencils, graphic pens and posca pens, and the community answered.

“At Coast, we’ve always been passionate about nurturing creativity,” Creative Director Jena Hackett told News Of The Area.

“As the creative hub of the Coffs Harbour community, we know how much art can shape lives, offering both therapeutic benefits and an outlet for personal expression.

“For young people, especially those facing hardships, art supplies are more than just materials – they’re a pathway to self-expression, healing, and growth.

“Whether it’s a blank canvas that invites new ideas, a sketchbook that captures dreams, or vibrant paints that bring imagination to life, the gift of art supplies is the gift of possibility.

“The act of creating can be a powerful form of therapy, allowing kids and teens to process emotions, develop problem-solving skills, and gain confidence in their unique talents.”

Ms Hackett said that for many, it can even ignite a lifelong passion for creativity that leads to exciting career opportunities in the arts.

Coast went on to match the gifts donated.

“With these simple gifts, we aimed to brighten the holidays for local youth who may not otherwise have had access to these resources.

“In doing so, we hope to inspire a generation of young creatives to explore their artistic potential and pursue their dreams.”

The team at Coast has long supported young people by offering work experience placements and participating in local school career days.

By providing local students with real-world insights into the creative industry, they hope to open doors and encourage them to see the possibilities of a creative career, as well as ensuring that every child and teen in Coffs Harbour has the tools they need to explore their creative potential.

“It’s a small gesture that can have a big impact on their lives, giving them the means to create, express, and heal in ways they may not have been able to before.”

Coast partnered with the Groundworks Youth and Family Hub at Blue Sky Community Services, to ensure all donations were distributed to local children, teens and young adults.

Groundworks provides essential support services to young people in the Coffs Harbour, Nambucca Heads, and Bellingen areas who are experiencing difficulties such as domestic and family violence, homelessness, and mental health challenges.

“Through the generous initiative of Coast’s Creative Christmas Gift Drive, and the active participation of the local community, these young individuals, many of whom are experiencing a range of vulnerabilities, will… be inspired to explore their creative potential,” BlueSky’s Program Manager for Young People and Families Sue Currie said.

“As an organisation, we have witnessed the therapeutic impacts creative activities can have on young people, by recording thoughts in journals, using visual diaries, unearthing, and encouraging artistic interests and talents, or just using art as a safe way of expressing emotions.

“The gifting of creative tools and materials supports young people’s wellbeing and demonstrates to them that people do care.”

By Andrea FERRARI