Every December, the Les Twentyman Foundation comes together with our incredible partners, volunteers, and supporters to spread hope and joy to young people and families in need. What began with one small act of kindness by Les in 1984 has grown into a series of initiatives and community events that continue to bring people together in the true spirit of giving.

In 1984, Les Twentyman recognised that more needed to be done for young people without families or homes during the festive season. So, he threw a small Christmas party for 15 homeless kids. It’s this act of kindness that sparked what would become the foundation’s longest-running tradition. That gathering became the start of the annual Les Twentyman Foundation Christmas Party, which has grown beyond imagination over the past 40 years.

Last year alone, we supported over 1,500 people, delivered 5,000+ gifts, and provided 420 food hampers, ensuring families could share a meal together and children could recieve a gift come Christmas morning.

Would you like to help us make a child’s Christmas brighter this festive season?

Each year, corporate partners and local businesses join us by hosting Giving Trees in their workplaces. These trees act as drop-off points for gifts donated by staff, customers, and community members. Every gift collected helps brighten Christmas for a young person doing it tough.

If your organisation would like to host a Giving Tree, please contact carly@ltfoundation.au.

Together, we’re ensuring every child has a gift to open come Christmas morning.  

Giving Tree Flyer

Since 2015, our friends at the United Firefighters Union Victoria (UFU Vic) have played a vital role in our Christmas initiatives. Each year, firefighters across Victoria collect presents at their stations and deliver them to families in need.

To celebrate their incredible efforts, we host our UFU Christmas BBQ in the Park in Braybrook.
The day features a BBQ lunch, face painting, music, and even a special visit from Santa arriving on a fire truck.

The event has become a highlight of the season, bringing laughter, connection, and community spirit to families who need it most. We are deeply grateful to every UFU member who continues to support this event and share in the legacy Les created.

The Christmas Cave is one of our most cherished community initiatives. It provides families who are struggling financially with the opportunity to choose gifts for their children.

Last year, the Christmas Cave supported over 180 families. Parents expressed deep gratitude, many sharing that without the Cave, their children would have gone without presents.

The event wouldn’t be possible without our incredible volunteers, staff, and partners — including the United Firefighters Union Victoria, the Lions Club of Footscray, and all the businesses who hosted Giving Trees.

Each year, the Cave reflects the strength of community and the compassion that drives our foundation forward.

For the past five years, Sam and the team at Cravin’ Crepes have opened their doors on Christmas Day to host families who have nowhere else to celebrate.

Santa makes a special stop to deliver gifts, while families enjoy warm drinks and sweet treats together. This simple act of generosity provides connection and comfort to people who might otherwise spend the day alone.

The partnership with Cravin’ Crepes has become a meaningful part of our Christmas calendar, embodying the kindness and inclusion that Les valued so deeply.

For over a decade, The Christmas Box has been a vital partner in our mission to support families doing it tough during the festive season. Over the past decade they have generously donate thousands of food hampers to the Les Twentyman Foundation, helping ensure families have something special on the table on Christmas Day.

We are immensely grateful for their unwavering support and dedication to making a difference. Their generosity plays a crucial role in providing comfort, dignity, and a sense of celebration for families who might otherwise go without a festive meal.

Special thanks also to the West Gate Tunnel Project team for their incredible support in helping us collect these boxes.

Our Christmas programs rely on the generosity and compassion of individuals, businesses, and community groups who share our vision.

If you’d like to host a Giving Tree, volunteer during the festive season, or support our Christmas initiatives, please contact carly@ltfoundation.au.

Together, we can continue to make the festive season brighter for every young person who needs it most.