Leading Tasmanian not-for-profit health and wellness organisation St Lukes has partnered with Hobart City Mission and Home Base, uniting the community to ensure no one is left behind this Christmas.
Members of the community are encouraged to leave non-perishable food items, treats, new gifts for children under 16 (unwrapped), and self-care items under the Christmas tree at the St Lukes Hobart wellness hub.
As demand for support services continues to soar, St Lukes CEO Paul Lupo is urging Tasmanians to come together this festive season and lend a hand to community members in need.
“Christmas is a time to spend quality time together, but for the many in our community who are doing it tough, the holiday season can bring an extra layer of stress,” he said.
“This Christmas, alongside our charity partners, we hope to lift some of the load. Helping each other when we are down is an enduring Tasmanian quality. We’re asking those who can to donate, whether that’s an item under our Christmas tree or a cash contribution to charity.”
Hobart City Mission CEO Harvey Lennon said the charity had experienced a 50 per cent jump in demand this year.
“Right now, more Tasmanian families are reaching out for help than ever before,” he said. “Many are working hard but still can’t afford enough food or fuel to get through the week, let alone make Christmas special.
“Thanks to partnerships like this, and the generosity of our community, we can make sure families who are struggling feel seen, supported and included. Every item donated brings us one step closer to giving hope to someone who needs it.”
In 2024-25 Home Base engaged 889 young Tasmanians in opportunities for education, training, housing, counselling, and community-building and provided 3,422 nights of safe accommodation.
CEO Di Underwood said donations from the public in the lead up to Christmas made a huge difference for young people facing homelessness.
“For many young Tasmanians, the festive season can be a hard reminder of what’s missing,” she said. “Some may feel invisible and left behind as they struggle to connect, others may feel lonely and isolated as they can’t afford to celebrate with friends and family. Together, we can change this story.
"Your generous donations will help us fill hampers this year, for families and young people in our care. These hampers of treats and essential items will help to bring joy, connection, and hope during the holidays. Every item is more than a gift. It’s the comfort of belonging, a joyful moment, and proof that someone believes in them.”
CEO Paul Lupo said St Lukes was delighted to support Home Base and City Mission’s Christmas donation drive with a gift of its own – a $5,000 donation to each charity.
St Lukes is also holding free sessions at its wellness hubs aimed at fostering connection, including a family fun day alongside Hobart’s Christmas Pageant and pop-up craft sessions during December.
“Come in and experience the wellbeing benefits of having a chat, enjoying some live music, crafting a handmade gift for a loved one, or donating to a neighbour in need – doing good for our community helps others, and is also good for our own physical and mental health,” Mr Lupo said.
“This is all part of our vision to make Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.”
St Lukes will be taking donations at its Hobart wellness hub at 72 Elizabeth Street until December 5th. Items must be unwrapped. The schedule of free Christmas-themed workshops is available here.