b'The gift of giving Im so proud of him. He understands the importance of helping people going through a tough time.JhezWhen Jhez was 7 months pregnant andIm so proud of him. He understands that expecting a baby boy, she reached out to theI went through a tough time while I was Uniting team at Werribee. Her relationshippregnant with him and the importance of had just broken down and her financialhelping people going through a tough time situation was in disarray after some badnow, says Jhez.financial decisions. She was in a situation At the time, I made a promise to myselfshe had never imagined herself to be in, andthat I will never come back here again. Who she needed support.would have thought 10 years later I would The team helped her with food and [be here again], but this time to give back to accommodation so she could get back on the community?her feet. It started a connection that would span a decade.Troys letterJhez now volunteers in our emergency reliefHi, my name is Troy. I would like to make this service there, committed to giving back to herbirthday meaningful. My mum told me her community. She is determined to instil thatstory that she once needed help and Uniting sense of giving in her young son, Troy. Werribee helped her when she was seven In February 2020, Troy turned 10 andmonths pregnant with me. So, to all my family decided to write to his friends to ask themand friends, please dont buy me gifts, instead to donate to Uniting instead of buying himyou can make my wish come true by donating birthday presents. He held his birthday partyfood, toys, books and bathroom needs.at Uniting, delivering bags full of food and toiletries donated by his young friends.Jhez and Troy have a long history with Uniting.Uniting Vic.Tas Annual Report 2019-2020 25'