Gifts aimed at “putting a smile” on the faces of Geraldton children with learning difficulties

Geraldton children who see the world a little differently will receive a boost of encouragement thanks to the generosity of the community.

During the recent annual Variety Ladies’ Luncheon, Geraldton women were invited to hear about the work of organisations making a difference in the lives of local children.

Luncheon guests also donated gifts of toys, books, stationery, toiletries and games, which will be distributed to children by Geraldton not-for- profit organisation the Abrolhos Group.

Visiting psychologist Dr Anne Angelkovska said the gifts would light up the faces of children with learning difficulties at the end of their assessment process.

“As a special thank you and an acknowledgement of all their hard work and effort they will receive a gift, and through that we have noticed that the children just walk out and feel so special for the first time in their lives,” she said. “A lot of the children who come to us are already low and not feeling very happy because they have basically been told for most of their lives there is something wrong with them.”

Variety Midwest regional co-ordinator Jan Adjuk said the initiative aimed to remind children there were people who cared about them.

“Really, Variety is about making a difference in the child’s life and putting a smile on their face,” she said.

“It’s about letting them know their self-worth is important to us and if you can just reach one child and put one smile on a face, it is worth it.”