The Parliament House Christmas giving tree was lit up on Thursday, bringing some yuletide cheer to the end of a challenging year.
House of Representatives Speaker Tony Smith and Senate President Senator Scott Ryan pressed the button to light up the tree in the Marble Foyer, but there were no schoolchildren singing carols this year because of the caution taken due to COVID-19.
A QR code next to the tree will allow people to donate directly to the two organisations selected as this year's beneficiaries.
They are Community First Development, a First Nations community development and research organisation, and Friends with Dignity, a volunteer-based not-for-profit charity that provides practical programs to assist survivors of domestic violence.
Community First Development chief executive officer Stephanie Harvey said the organisation worked on projects across Australia to improve health and education outcomes and economic opportunities.
Parliament House Xmas giving tree turned on today. pic.twitter.com/drPyiTO7aS
— Megan Doherty (@MeganDohertyCT) December 2, 2020
Last year it worked in 150 communities, guided by the principle of self-determination.
She said being selected as a beneficiary of the giving tree meant a lot to the organisation and its supporters.
Friends with Dignity representative Julia McKenna said this year had been particularly difficult, as victims and perpetrators of domestic violence had been locked down together due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The money raised by the giving tree will go towards its grassroots programs.
