Queensland's emergency services are preparing to deliver gifts to kids in need ahead of the annual Christmas Day Santa Run, today joining forces to package approximately 1,500 gifts to be distributed on Christmas Day.
Minister for Police and Corrective Services, and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan, attended the large pre-Christmas exercise today, showing his gratitude to Queensland's emergency service heroes.
"Our emergency services go above and beyond throughout the year, but to see members from the Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, the Queensland Ambulance Service and our State Emergency Service come together to join forces and bring joy to kids in need is truly testament to the selfless nature of our emergency service crews," Minister Ryan said.
"These gifts have been generously donated by members of the public and will be delivered by our emergency service crews on Christmas morning to kids most in need, and to children receiving hospital care."
"Our thanks also goes to the team at Logan House Fire Support Network, who have organised this event for the fourth year in a row, with an estimated 5,000 toys delivered to local children.
Logan House Fire Support Network founder Louie Naumovski said seeing the smiling faces on Christmas morning was the best gift emergency services could receive.
"After dealing with sadness and grief in what emergency responders do all throughout the year, this is the one day that brings us the most joy," Mr Naumovski said.
"Giving happiness to many children and families greeting us around our route on that one special day is the best gift we could ever ask for."
As part of the Santa Run on Christmas morning, a convoy of emergency crews will travel from Woodridge Fire Station to deliver gifts to children throughout Logan, before making special deliveries to children at the Logan Hospital.
Member for Woodridge, Cameron Dick, thanked the local community for their generosity over the holiday period.
"Knowing that people in and around Logan, including in my electorate of Woodridge are donating to those in need this Christmas time truly is wonderful to see," Mr Dick said.
"While the work of our emergency services personnel at Christmas and all times of the year is greatly appreciated by the Logan community, and goes a long way to help struggling families at this time of year."
Member for Waterford, Shannon Fentiman said kids who would otherwise go without, have been generously provided gifts by the community this Christmas. "As we know, Christmas is a hard time for many families, and if not for the generosity of the Logan community many children may go without a visit from Santa," Ms Fentiman said.
"Knowing approximately 1,500 gifts, to be delivered to smiling faces on Christmas Day speaks to the community spirit of Logan."
Member for Jordan, Charis Mullen said it was heart-warming to see such a huge number of toys and gifts ready to be delivered on Christmas morning.
"We live in a wonderful and caring community, and this excellent, yearly event highlights of the warmth and giving nature of our community," Ms Mullen said.
Member for Macalister, Melissa McMahon shared her thanks and appreciation to those who donated gifts, and to emergency services who will unite to deliver them.
"This is such a good, kind initiative, and one that I know brings smiles to the faces of our youngest community members."
Member for Logan, Linus Power said seeing children's smiling faces on Christmas Day was a huge boost to community spirit.
"These young people and their families are grateful for the generosity and support of the community and emergency crews," Mr Power said.
"We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season, and thank those who work to give back to the community during this time."
