The Aboriginal Literacy Foundation is delighted to have been selected to receive support through the 2014 Giving Tree program at Parliament House, alongside Lifeline.

Vicki Northey of the Department of Parliamentary Services said, “The Department of Parliamentary Services at Parliament House initiated a Christmas giving tree program in 2013. Each year we support charities who have a strong national program that supports the community. In 2014 DPS would like to support the Foundation in its work to improve Indigenous education and literacy across Australia”.

The 2014 program was launched in Canberra on 25 November at 11.00 am with the Speaker of the House, the Honourable Bronwyn Bishop MP and Senator the Honourable Stephen Parry, President of the Senate, gathered around the 6 metre Christmas tree in the foyer of Parliament House. The event also included a wonderful performance from St Edmunds Middle School choir.

The Honourable Bronwyn Bishop spoke about the Giving Tree Program, and encouraged guests, building occupants and the general public to purchase a Giving Tree tag from the Parliament House shop. The donation amount is written on the tag, which is then placed on the giving tree as a decoration, and all proceeds are donated towards the supported charities.

The Hon Bronwyn Bishop making a donation to the Giving Tree program

Aboriginal Literacy Foundation CEO, David Perrin, said “We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Parliament House for selecting us as a charity to support through their Giving Tree Program, alongside such an esteemed organisation as Lifeline, and we wish a Merry Christmas to all”.

To learn more about visiting Parliament House and purchasing a decoration from The Parliament Shop, please visit http://www.aph.gov.au/Visit_Parliament