People from as far away as Melbourne are already offering to donate Christmas presents for Minyerri.
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Following the break-in at Minyerri leaving residents bereft of toys for their up-coming Christmas party on December 19, the community has started to rally to make sure families don’t go without.
Thousands of dollars worth of toys and hampers were destroyed when six teenagers allegedly broke into Alawa Aboriginal Corporation’s CEO, Ken Muggeridge’s house on Sunday night.
Already, the community has rallied to replace the damaged gifts, and a GoFundMe campaign has been set up.
Readers are contacting the Katherine Times from as far away as Melbourne asking how they can donate to make sure Minyerri still has a happy Christmas.
Hundreds of gifts had been collected for the young children living in the remote Indigenous community about 110 kilometres from Katherine, and hampers of food had been assembled for the families, some of which struggle through the Christmas period.
On Monday, Mr Muggeridge told the Katherine Times the six teenagers had “absolutely destroyed everything”.
The youth broke into the house and destroyed more than $4000 worth of Christmas gifts and $2500 in food.
“We are so thankful to the community members who have supported us through this,” Mr Muggeridge said.
“But we still need more support.
“The community is very angry at the moment, and if we can get the party back to where it was, it would really lift spirits.
“Some of the families really struggle through the Christmas period, the Christmas party was supposed to be a fun night, and we are hoping we can get back to that,” he said.
The GoFundMe campaign was set up by Kristy Clayton yesterday and has so far raised $100.
“I am asking my community if we can all put in a small amount, which I know is tough this time of the year, though any amount can help,” the campaign page said.
“I'm hoping to raise $8000 by this time next week, so Ken and their workers can do another drive to Darwin and fill up the truck with Christmas gifts for the local children.
“Food and drinks also so they can have something to look forward to, as some of these families are doing it very tough.”
To make a donation head to the website here. Toys can also be donated to Minyerri via the Katherine Times office at the Katherine Shopping Centre this week.
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