Help Us Spread Hope This Christmas – Prisoners Aid ACT Hamper Appeal 2025

Since 1963, Prisoners Aid ACT has proudly supported detainees, former detainees, and their families. We’re the only organisation in the ACT solely dedicated to walking alongside people impacted by the justice system, and we believe that everyone, no matter their circumstances, deserves compassion, dignity, and the chance to reconnect and rebuild.

Each year, we see how much Christmas can amplify the hardship of incarceration. Parents separated from their children, families doing it tough on the outside, and individuals trying to rebuild their lives, often with very little.

That’s why every December; we deliver Christmas hampers to people in our community affected by prison. These hampers are filled with practical goods, and just as importantly, with hope.

What We’re Aiming For in 2025

Thanks to generous supporters like you, we’ve delivered:

• 187 hampers in 2023
• 156 hampers in 2024

This year, we’re setting our sights higher than ever, 500 hampers for individuals and families across the ACT.

With your support, we hope to pack:

• 200 hampers for families
• 100 for women
• 100 for men
• 100 for children
• 50 smaller hampers for beloved pets, recognising the comfort they bring to many of our clients.

What’s Inside and Why It Matters

Each hamper contains shelf-stable food, hygiene essentials, small gifts, toys, books, baby and pet supplies, and often, a handwritten message from a stranger who simply cares.

They might seem simple, but they make a powerful difference. For a child, it’s knowing Christmas hasn’t passed them by. For a mum or dad inside, it’s the comfort of knowing their family has support. For someone recently released, it’s a gesture of inclusion at a time that often feels isolating.

How You Can Help

To reach our $10,000 goal by Friday 5 December 2025, we’re calling on our community to give what they can. Your donation goes directly to:

• Food and hygiene items
• Toys, books, and gifts for children
• Nappies, formula, period products
• Pet food and comfort items
• Packaging and delivery across Canberra

Whether it’s $10 or $200, every dollar helps us bring dignity and care to someone who might otherwise go without.

Stand With Us

We’re proud of the work we do, and proud to stand with the people we serve. If you believe in second chances, in fairness, and in community, we invite you to stand with us too.

Donate today and help make Christmas brighter for someone impacted by incarceration.

With gratitude,

The Team at Prisoners Aid ACT