A family in Victoria who have had the hardest year of their lives woke up just days before Christmas to find a surprise gift on their front stoop.
Ellie An, who has lived in Victoria for seven years says this year she and her children had a secret, surprise bag of rice with an envelope that held some cash for their family.
Written on the envelope was the inscription, “We surround you with love.”
See also:
- 26 places to get your Christmas tree chipped in and around Victoria
- Take a trip down memory lane with this 1966 journey from Victoria to Sidney (VIDEO)
An says she and her young daughters escaped a crisis situation and are now living in transition housing meant for women and children escaping abusive situations.
This process has been incredibly hard on them and this secret Santa gift has lifted their spirits.
“What I realized as I went through my family crisis was that many neighbours were [surrounding] me,” An told Victoria Buzz.
“These experiences were truly amazing.”
“I am now safe in many social systems and community. From being a quietly hidden immigrant housewife, I have now become a member who interacts with many of [my] neighbours and friends.”
She says after seven years in Victoria, she finally feels like a part of a community.
All their extended family is still in South Korea, but because of the generosity of one individual, An and her kids know they are indeed surrounded by love.
She doesn’t know who her family’s secret Santa is, but she wants them to know she is forever grateful.
