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Margaret Moloney was brilliant at many things, most notably tennis, Irish dancing and teaching. She was also a loyal footy fan, attending countless games to cheer on her beloved Tigers, had a great sense of fashion and a unique ability to see the potential beauty in things that had been discarded.
But if there are a few things that stand out more than anything else about Margaret, it is her kindness and willingness to help those less fortunate than herself.
Margaret, or “Margie” as she was affectionately remembered by her family and friends, was always conscious of the needs of others.
She carried this quality throughout her life, right until her last years when she left a gift in her Will to ChildFund Australia to help children in need around the world.
Lessons of love
The youngest of four girls, Margaret stood out from her sisters Patricia, Maureen and Bernadette; she was creative, followed her passions, and had enormous empathy for people.
Margaret, with her mother Merna, would regularly visit her uncle Jack when he had lost his wife and moved into a nursing home. After Jack passed away, Margaret insisted she and her mother continue visiting the home, taking afternoon tea for the residents to enjoy. “It was so typical of her thoughtfulness and kindness,” Patricia says.
She was a single mother and dedicated her life to making sure her daughter, Katherine (pictured above with Margaret), who had a disability, had the tools and support she needed to reach her full potential.
“Margie was completely selfless about Katherine,” Bernadette says. “She catered for Katherine’s needs and created opportunities for her to achieve. Katherine drove a car and lived independently, thanks to her beautiful mother.”
“She taught us many things and we hope that in her passing that we are vigilant and responsive to others less fortunate.”
Bernadette, Margaret’s sister
The festive season is almost here. Trees are going up, carols are playing in shops, and we’re counting down the days until we can see our loved ones and shower them with presents.
Finding the perfect items can be tricky, so we’ve put together a handy guide with plenty of ethical Christmas gift ideas to ensure you have no trouble filling your baskets or Santa stockings while giving back.
1. Donate Gifts for Good
You can support ChildFund’s efforts around the globe by donating life-changing gifts from their Gifts for Good range. Each donation is accompanied by a Christmas card, emailed directly to a nominated address. Alternatively, you can print out a card at home and include it in your gift basket.
Regions like the Hunter Valley, Margaret River, and basically the whole of Tasmania, make wonderful produce abundant. Farmers around the country pour their hearts and souls into artisan cheeses, boutique chocolates, cured meats, nuts, and much more! Combine them and you have the best grazing platter ever made. There’s nothing better than some local camembert piping hot from the oven, topped with rosemary and local honey. The best way to collect these wonderful ingredients is with a weekend road-trip to your closest farmer’s market or farm gate.
As one of the best wine countries in the world, we simply love our homegrown bottles. A Semillon from the Hunter Valley, a Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, a Pinot Noir from the Yarra Valley, or Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River, there really is an endless amount of wines to choose from. And when you find a wine you truly love, why not opt-in on a regular basis with a subscription? It will give you a never-ending supply of beautiful bottles of wine with a hearty side of community support.
Remember to be age appropriate! If you’re buying for a family that includes children, you should accompany your wine with sparkling grape or apple juice that the little ones can enjoy.
4. Order artisanal hampers
Don’t have time to shop for items to include in a Christmas gift basket? Artisanal hampers are a great alternative if you want to have everything ready to go and save time. They can be filled with everything from delicious local produce to homemade self-care packages. With Christmas approaching fast, most Australian companies are getting their hampers ready for shipping. Take a look at The Perfect Hamper, or consider buying a hamper from a drought or bushfire-affected business, when you’re creating your shopping list.
5. DIY Christmas gifts
DIY projects have never been more popular! Whether it is making something from scratch or upcycling something you already own, it’s a great chance to explore your creative side. Why not start with an at-home pottery kit? The original founders of this idea at Crock’d believe in the “dirty hands, clean minds” philosophy and we honestly couldn’t agree more.
6. Choose handcrafted goods
If you’re looking for items that don’t have an expiry date, why not consider some handcrafted goods and jewellery? Nothing feels quite as personal as a one-off ceramic keep cup, or customised wine glasses. This year has had its challenges, but it’s unleashed a wave of creativity, with many Australian makers creating wonderful items – ranging from kitsch to practical – to brighten up your home.
Here are some of our favourites:
Spend With Us: Support craftspeople affected by drought right across Australia
Make It Collective: Find customisable, unique, and novel pressies this Christmas
Country & Co.: Browse the selection of unique Australian-made jewellery and homegoods
Made It: Look no further for local accessories, jewellery, crafts, homewares, and more
7. Support local artists
Instagram makes it easier than ever to find and connect with talented artists in your area. We love drone photography of Australian beaches and wildlife, just like the images of Jaimen Hudson. But it’s not only photographers that are shining on Instagram. It is also the place to discover painters such as contemporary indigenous artist Lauren, who sells originals and prints under the name Freestone.
Purchase a print, photograph or drawing, and request it to be sized appropriately to fit into your Christmas gift basket. You may even include a note explaining why you chose that artwork for the recipient!
8. Choose sustainable fashion
With fast fashion known to be one of the biggest contributors to pollution worldwide, opt for ethical and sustainable fashion. Find beautiful pieces made by local designers online, like this western-style denim shirt, yellow tulips bucket hat or tie-dye kimono. If you prefer shopping with more established clothing brands and want to assess how sustainable and ethical they are, have a look at the rating system on Good On You to get a quick overview.
Keep in mind the other gifts you plan to include and the size of your basket or stocking! You want to make sure that once folded, your loved one’s garment will slip right into your Christmas gift basket.
9. Pamper a loved one
While international travel is temporarily off the table, treating your loved one to a staycation is the perfect way to show them some love while supporting your community. The Empty Esky and Holiday Here This Year campaigns are what we’re using to plan our adventure to bushfire-affected areas. The campaigns offer pre-planned itineraries and are full of inspiration to explore your own backyard!
We recommend printing the receipt and hiding it in a decoy gift. You might choose a travel book, diary, mug or something else that can conceal the receipt, while also being a thoughtful gift. Remember to get the magic moment on camera as they ruffle through their Christmas gift basket.
10. Breathe deeply with plants
Buying for a green thumb? There’s something special about gifting someone new native plants for the house or garden. Christmas only comes once a year, but seeing these plants grow and change throughout the seasons means your loved one can enjoy it for a long time to come. When purchasing plants, it’s best to ask the nursery for detailed care instructions to ensure the plant is able to survive and thrive.
Looking for a few ideas? We love the succulent Sydney based start-up Little Succers for a small and easy to care for plant. Can your loved one handle a bit more? There are plenty of mail order services, like Plants in a Box or Home of House Plants, that deliver indoor plants from all over Australia right to your doorstep! Looking for an outdoor plant? Don’t forget to buy something native to your area! Native Australian flowers can also make a beautiful gift.
Fill your Christmas gift basket with a range of ethical treats
Now you’re all set to shop for gifts for that special someone. Be as creative as you can with the combination of items you include and don’t be afraid to spoil! It’s been a tough year for everyone, and we’re sure they’d appreciate the love.
