Ballarat's Aboriginal families were gifted an afternoon filled with joy, laughter and connection with community in the lead up to Christmas.
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Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative hosted the annual BADAC Christmas Tree event on Friday afternoon.
BADAC youth team leader Aaron Clarke said many staff members donated $1 of their pay each week to fund the event and the purchase of presents for children aged zero to 12.
Staff get to see the reactions on the kids' faces when they get to see Santa and unwrap their presents. It does make it worthwhile.
- Aaron Clarke, BADAC youth team leader
Staff also purchased and wrapped the presents for 250 children.
"We work with a lot of families who are struggling," he said.
"It is a great opportunity for some of the families that might be struggling a bit but also to get the community back together again.
"Staff get to see the reactions on the kids' faces when they get to see Santa and unwrap their presents. It does make it worthwhile."
An Indigenous hip hop crew from Melbourne put on a show for all ages and there was a petting zoo, jumping castle, face painting, popcorn, fairy floss and other activities on offer for children.
Many children from the popular BADAC youth group were at the event, which also played a role in creating connection to community and culture.
Jordan Kickett and Madeleine Skrypko enjoyed the afternoon with their families.
They said it was a good chance for the children to mix with other Aboriginal children around Ballarat.
"We don't really see many Aboriginal kids but at an event like this you see them all," Ms Kickett said.
"It is a good opportunity for them to connect to their culture."
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