While it might not be filled with real magic and elves, Santa’s workshop in Cannington is as close as it gets.
The workshop, run by not for profit organisation Outcare, is housed at the Sevenoaks senior college campus and embodies all the right attitudes to have during the Christmas season.
The vision when it opened in 1998 was to source unwanted quality toys, refurbish them and give them to children of people serving time in prison.
The workshop has grown over the years to more than 40 volunteers who attend the workshop and a further 50 collecting donations of both new and unwanted toys as well as making them themselves.
After its popularity exploded the decision was made to add a number of small charities to the list including women’s refuges and other not for profits looking after disadvantaged children.
This year Santa’s workshop has supplied more than 2000 toys.
Outcare administration manager Marion Pearson said families whose incomes barely paid for day to day needs benefitted from help like this over Christmas.
“What is really important is that Christmas is often one of the most difficult times of the year for these families and individuals with the pressure through media in particular to buy, buy, buy,” she said.
“Having a gift that is either handmade or as good as new means these kids have a better Christmas.”
Santa’s workshop volunteer and Parkwood resident Delys Barry, 76, has been at the workshop since it began.
She said sometimes the toys left the workshop looking better than when they went in.
“Everything that comes through is checked and cleaned, if it needs a stitch or a bow tie on it, whatever it needs we try and bring it up to the standard of a first class gift,” she said.
She enjoys the work and helping the needy.
“I just love it and knowing there are some children out there going to benefit from my help I guess,” she said.
“Amongst all the toys it’s just a fun place to be.” Ms Barry said the workshop was always looking for donations and she encouraged people to drop them off at the workshop so she could include a tour.
“We can always do with any donations,” she said.
“We encourage people to drop off to us for the fact that we like people to see the end result of what goes on.”
After Christmas the workshop continues to work to provide toys for community playgroups throughout the year.
Donations can be made to Santa’s workshop directly by calling 9356 4928 or emailing santas@outcare.com.au.
