Ryman residents in Australia have wholeheartedly embraced the RizeUp charity’s Christmas Gift Appeal, even landing a spot on Channel 7’s News programme to talk about it.

By generously backing Ryman’s partnership with the charity, which helps children and women escaping domestic violence, 230 children and 20 mums in refuge over Christmas will now receive gifts.

Reporter Nick McCallum likened the residents to ‘Santa’s stormtroopers’ for their military-style shopping expedition, where they chose more than 760 different thoughtful items and toys using gift cards provided by Ryman. But instead of ‘shock and awe’ it was more about providing ‘comfort and joy’, he said.

Nellie Melba Village resident Premila Brito was one of more than 100 residents from Ryman’s nine villages in Victoria who was on board with the idea.

“It makes our Christmas even more special,” she said, adding: “We want them to know that they’re not alone, that we think of them, and we want to share with them, share the Christmas joy.”

Fellow resident Rosie Clough said: “We’re just delighted that we can help women and children who’ve come from a situation that’s intolerable.”

Ryman’s Resident Experience Lead Cathy Byrne said she was thrilled to hear how residents in the villages’ care centres helped to sort the gifts into age groups, to their great delight, and marvelled at everyone’s generosity.

“Some residents chose to purchase additional gifts or make home gifts to donate to this wonderful cause,” Cathy said.

“Emotions were a mix of sadness at the thought that some children would spend Christmas Day in refuge, to delight and excitement that the gift would make this day a little easier and more special.”

She added: “The village teams have said there’s been a real buzz in the air, and the residents have loved getting involved, working together and giving back to their community.”

Thanks to Ryman’s support this year, it would mean not only women and children would receive gifts in refuge this Christmas, but 30 RizeUp staff working on Christmas Day would receive small gifts as well, according to RizeUp Founder and CEO Nicolle Edwards.

“Thank you to you all for your support of the work we do, and most importantly for helping us provide a little light for some of our most vulnerable at a time like Christmas,” Nicolle said.

“It means the world to have you walking beside us this Christmas.

“Together, you’ve helped bring joy and comfort to so many during this festive season.”

Nicolle particularly noted the extra care and thought that residents put into selecting gifts, packing boxes, and contributing handmade items.

“It has made a real difference for the children and families who will receive them,” she said.