Kids in Care Charity helping children and young people in need

ACT Policing’s annual Kids in Care charity drive has once again delivered with 200 children in crisis or emergency care within the ACT to receive a gift over the Christmas period.

Kids in Care at Christmas is an annual drive which began as a spontaneous charity appeal several years ago after Woden crime members attended an incident in the ACT in December.

Members found four small children who had been neglected. These children included a baby only weeks old, a little boy who was about to turn two in the coming days, a beautiful little girl who was around four and a seven-year old boy.

They effectively had the clothes on their backs and very little else.

While at the location, the little girl invited Detective Sergeant John Giles to her brother’s second birthday party that coming Saturday. She was the sweetest blonde hair, blue eyed little girl and Detective Sergeant Giles accepted her invitation.      

She then offered to show Detective Sergeant Giles her Christmas tree which she said was beautiful. She took Detective Sergeant Giles hand and led him into the house where he found a couple of tattered branches with a ball or two attached.

Detective Sergeant Giles was mortified but moved quickly to do something about the situation. He set up the Kids in Care Charity whereby every child in crisis and emergency care would receive a gift of their choice on Christmas Day. 

“Christmas is a time to think about those who are less fortunate in the community, and to reach out to others,” Detective Sergeant Giles said.

“Sadly, these children have frequently suffered abuse, neglect and may have experienced significant trauma. Seeing their smiling faces light up when opening their gifts, is a great feeling.”

Through the incredible leadership of Detective Sergeant Giles and his team, along with the outstanding support of local businesses such as National Mailing and Marketing, Icon Water and Rotary as well the tremendous generosity of AFP staff, 200 children (up from 86 last year) in crisis or emergency care will awake on Christmas Day with a smile on their faces. 

“I can’t tell you how overwhelmed we’ve been by the support of so many people both within and outside the AFP,” Detective Sergeant Giles said.

“Through the generosity of so many children in crisis or emergency care will awake on Christmas Day and have a present to open.”  

“There is a great saying that we make a living by what we get but we make a difference by what we give.”

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 6264 9460, act-police-media@afp.gov.au