Our stories

Christmas has been in full swing at the South Coast Correctional Centre with Connection Activity Days galore!

During these special arts and crafts sessions, dads in custody created festive cards and gifts for their children.

With the support of our team (and a festive soundtrack!), the men happily set to work making super colourful stockings, Christmas tree decorations, cards and more, adding heartfelt messages for their families.

Children missing their dads cherish these gifts and families tell us how it feels like a little ‘piece of dad’ is at home during Christmas.

“I will have one excited girl receiving a parcel from her Dad!” said a carer when hearing what was in the mail.

Children missing their dads cherish these gifts and families tell us how it feels like a little ‘piece of dad’ is at home during Christmas.

 

Dads were also thrilled to have the opportunity to connect with their children, passing on thanks and lovely feedback to our team.

“Thank you,” said one participant, “[this program] was greatly welcomed. I loved it.”

Another told us how much he’ll miss Christmas at home, saying, “I have a very close relationship with my family,” and how these gifts will go a long way to help him feel connected this year.

It’s not just dads who are missing little ones, but also uncles! Some participants made gifts for nieces and nephews who mean the world to them, with one telling us the session helped him “feel like a better uncle.”

Everyone had a smile on their face as the sessions wrapped and the gifts were packaged up, including our team!

“It was a wonderful day,” our team said, “the guys should be very proud of themselves. These items mean so much to these children, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help build and maintain these meaningful relationships.”

Thanks to these sessions, 27 little children with a family member at the South Coast Correctional Centre will now have something extra special to hold on Christmas Day and know they are loved and missed.

Thank you to the South Coast Correctional Centre staff who support these sessions.