Ditch Secret Santa

1. Dementia Australia Research Foundation

This is the charity I support and $2 of my books goes towards finding a cure because my beautiful grandmother was taken from us far too early with this disease.

Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia, and there are an estimated 487 5000 Australians living with dementia, and almost 1.6 millions Australians involved in their care.

2. OzHarvest

$25 = Delivers 50 meals

3. St Vincent De Paul

Again, one of the charities close to my heart and instead of providing gifts to clients and sending cards, I provide a financial donations, as well as toys and food under our church's Christmas tree to help out local community.

$20 = presents and/or non-perishable food under the Christmas Tree

4. Salvation Army

$20 = food package and present

5. Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal

$20 = up to 4 or more gifts to put under the tree

6. Oxfam Australia

$20 = chickens (from $6), safe refuge for women (from $12), water for a family (from $10)

7. The Smith Family

$55/month funds education support for a primary school child so join some Secret Santa gifts together.

8. Mummy's Wish

$22 provides a special book to help explain Mum's illness to kids

9. National Breast Cancer Foundation

$20 to fund research

10. McGrath Foundation

$20 donation will help McGrath Breast Care Nurses provide free support to patients and their families experiencing breast cancer.

$70 provides the practical and emotional support of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse for a patient and their family.

11. RSPCA

$25 = help provide care for all creatures, great and small.

This could include providing an orphaned cat or dog with a bath, treats and an enrichment toy this Christmas.

And don't forget about the animals who help people remain strong in tough times so please include some cans of cat/dog food and dry biscuits in your non-perishable food donations..

Charities will also be most grateful if you could include some rolls of wrapping paper and tape.