Last week, PICAL manager Greg Thompson described the island as “one large village” and that sense of community was on full display this week.

Volunteers from PICAL, St Vincent de Paul, various church groups and the CWA were just some of the “villagers” who came together to prepare Christmas hampers for those in our community doing it tough.

As well as presents for the children – collected from Christmas giving trees across the island and San Remo – there were food hampers filled with Christmas treats and essential food.

Presents, packaged food, and cash were all donated to the cause, with a massive band of “Christmas Elves” rolling up their sleeves to cook, wrap and pack so that everyone can share in the joy of Christmas.