15.09.2025: Challenge Community Services has launched their online Christmas appeal ‘Every Child Counts’ to help ease the burden this festive season for foster carers. While foster carers go above and beyond to make Christmas special, the holiday period can still be particularly challenging for children and young people in care.
For foster carers, the festive season can also be tough, both emotionally and financially. This appeal calls on the community to contribute monetary donations online. This financial support allows Foster Care teams to purchase gifts tailored to the needs, ages, and interests of each child, creating a more personal and meaningful Christmas experience. Donations will also help provide grocery vouchers, enabling families to enjoy a special Christmas meal together.
Julie May, Executive Director Community Services at Challenge Community Services, emphasised the importance of the Christmas Appeal and the vital community support:
“Through our Every Child Counts Appeal, we have the opportunity to ensure every child feels remembered, celebrated and valued this Christmas. This year we are aiming to reach $50,000 in donations, but we can’t do it alone. We are calling on the support of our wider community so together we can bring joy and hope to over 450 children and young people this festive season.”
This year, businesses can join the appeal as official appeal partners by making a direct donation or becoming a Matched Giving Partner, matching every donation made over a nominated week to boost community impact. In return, partners will be celebrated across our digital channels, EDMs, website and internal communications, with opportunities for co-branded content to showcase their support in meaningful ways.
“Businesses play a vital role in our communities, and partnering with our Every Child Counts Appeal is a meaningful way to demonstrate that commitment. Their support helps us create brighter Christmases for children in care while highlighting the positive impact of business-community collaboration,” said Ms. May.
The Every Child Counts Appeal provides a simple and impactful way for individuals and businesses alike to ensure every child in foster care experiences the joy, warmth, and magic of Christmas.
How You Can Support the appeal:
- The Appeal is running from Sunday 14th September to Sunday 14th December.
- Online Financial Contributions: Businesses and individuals can make financial donations via the Challenge Community Services appeal website here
- All donations are tax-deductible.
ENDS
For media enquiries, images or commentary, please contact:
Ellen McIver
Senior Account Manager
C7EVEN Communications
0414 137 686 ellen.mciver@c7even.com.au
About Challenge Community Services:
Challenge Community Services provides innovative and people-focused services to the community for over 66 years. Across regional and metropolitan communities, Challenge provides Disability Services, Foster Care, Allied Health and supported employment for people with a disability.
Founded in Tamworth, NSW in 1958, Challenge Community Services is now one of the largest community support services operating in NSW. Challenge operates throughout regional and metropolitan New South Wales, and the greater Brisbane area in Queensland. Our organisation is built on a strong workforce of over 1000 people, including over 90 employees with disability.
Challenge Community Services now supports thousands of people in over 100 communities in NSW and QLD.
