Santa’s little helpers have begun creating fantastic craft items to be included in more than 500 Christmas hampers this year.

The hampers are part of the VMCH Arts in Action program, which sees aged care residents use their artistic skills to make crafts for people less fortunate than themselves.

The hampers, packed and delivered by VMCH staff members, help to make Christmas a little brighter for financially and disadvantaged people accessing services, including people who live in affordable housing units and people who access disability and community service programs.

The hampers are funded through workplace giving programs from within VMCH and the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne (CAM).

Arts in Action was awarded a ‘highly commended’ notation as a finalist in the 2018 Meaningful Ageing Australia Quality in Pastoral and Spiritual Care Practice Awards.

The awards, held on September 19, recognise innovation and excellence in the spiritual care of older people.