Call for gifts for the Murray River Police District Children's Hospital Christmas Appeal
Monday, 27 October 2025 09:48:48 AM
Murray River Police District officers are once again bringing festive cheer to children spending the holidays in hospital.
Launched in 2021, the Murray River Police District Children’s Hospital Christmas Appeal, is an initiative from local police with assistance from Albury Wodonga Health, Victoria Police, and the Australian Defence Force.
Police are calling on members of the community and businesses to dig deep and donate toys and other items to the Children’s Ward at Albury Base Hospital, which will be gifted to young patients on Christmas Day.
Any remaining gifts will be saved and donated to children throughout the year to brighten the day of any young person going through a difficult time.
Today (Monday 27 October 2025), officers from Murray River Police District launched the 2025 Christmas Appeal.
Murray River Police District Inspector Troy Martin said the appeal is a great opportunity for local police to work together with health services to support kids in need.
“It’s a tough time for anyone, especially young kids, to be spending Christmas in hospital. This is something we can do to brighten their stay in hospital and there is no better feeling than seeing the smile on the kid’s faces,” Inspector Martin said.
“In previous years we’ve seen between 500-800 presents donated and we’re hoping for this great support from the community once again. We love seeing everyone from young kids to local businesses come into the station and donate gifts. It’s a small way Police can give back to the most vulnerable in our community.”
Albury Wodonga Health Chief Executive Officer Bill Appelby said the appeal captures the true spirit of the region with communities, service and individuals coming together to make a difference.
“Albury Wodonga Health is incredibly proud to be the beneficiary of this generous NSW Police Force initiative supported by Victoria Police and the Australian Defense Force. We thank the community for their continued generosity, helping to bring a little light to children who need it most over the festive period,” Mr Appelby said.
Albury Wodonga Health Children’s Ward Nurse Unit Manager Sam Peet said the generosity shown through the Murray River Police District Children’s Hospital Christmas Appeal brings genuine joy and comfort to young patients and their families
“For children spending Christmas in hospital, these gifts offer a moment of happiness and connection during what can be a challenging time. We’re deeply grateful to our community, the NSW Police Force, the Australian Defense Force and Victoria Police, for helping us create these special memories," Mrs Peet said.
Gifts can be donated until Wednesday 3 December 2025 at Albury Police Station and will be delivered to the Albury Base Hospital on Thursday 4 December 2025.
Suggested gifts include travel or memory games, card packs, Mini LOL dolls, small Lego packs, craft packs, friendship bands, decorations, colouring in packs and pencils, soccer or basketballs, playdough, activity books, sticker books, mindfulness colouring books, board games, Lynx packs for teenagers, gift vouchers or movie tickets.
The hospital has requested that any gift be new and left unwrapped to allow for the most age-appropriate and suitable gift to be given out to each child.
Murray River Police District Inspector Troy Martin created the event and has been nominated in the Police Officer of the Year Award’s Regional NSW Field Operations category for his charitable work establishing the Murray River Police District Children’s Hospital Appeal and the Murray River Police District Police Ball.