Certificates of Appreciation were presented by special guest Karen Maloney, from Red Cross Emergency Services, acknowledging several amazing members and guests, including Jennifer Wenham, Julie Jacobson, and Diane and Graham Easter.

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“Thank you to Jennifer for making her home available for the winter collection of blankets, beanies and socks for the homeless in Newcastle,” Secretary Jenny Kelly said.

“Julie, though not a member, has done a lot of knitting, and donates in the name of Red Cross, so we wanted to recognise her especially… and she didn’t know about the certificate, either.”

“Diane and Graham have been acknowledged for their amazing cooking at the Big Bake Sale.

“Diane always anticipates the Bake and cooks up a storm.”

“Other acknowledgements included Villa Voce singing group for their recent ‘Songfest’ gold-coin donations; attendees there were incredibly generous, and we also got the pleasure of enjoying the concert,” Ms Kelly added.

A large host of toys, all donated by the local members of Red Cross, sat ready to be picked up by Rachael Vaughan from Medowie Mums, which seeks out families in need across Medowie, Karuah and Tea Gardens.

“Dozens of families are shopped for each year by families and community groups like the very special ladies at Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Red Cross,” Ms Vaughan said.

“Over 100 children annually have a specially selected gift on Christmas morning because of the generosity of others.”

“A few years ago, we decided that rather than get something for each other, let’s buy toys to donate, and they are sent out all over the place, from Coffs Harbour to TGPS, for kids and mums,” Ms Kelly explained.

The Red Cross ladies will be hosting yet another sale table at the Tea Gardens Lions Christmas Lights Festival on 15 December.

By Thomas O’KEEFE