The Reverse Advent Calendar is CareNet’s largest food drive of the year. Unlike the traditional advent calendar where you receive something each day, participants in the Reverse Advent Calendar give an item daily throughout November. Once completed you will have created a Christmas hamper for a family in need. Then in December, these hampers will be distributed through local food relief programs, bringing hope and joy to families who need it most.
Community Sponsors: Help make this initiative possible by covering the cost of the festive boxes. Each box features the sponsors logo, recognizing your contribution.
Collection Points: Serve as a location where community members can pick up and return their Reverse Advent Calendar boxes. Collection points can be local businesses, schools, churches, or any community hub. You can choose to be open to the public or keep it within your own community, such as a school or workplace. See below for an updated list of this years Collection Points.
Distribution Points: Local food relief programs can sign up to receive the completed hampers and distribute them to families in need during the Christmas season.
Finally, the most important role… Community Members: who fill the Reverse Advent Calendar boxes over the first 20 days of November, creating hampers for families in need.
Where can I pick up a Reverse Advent Calendar?
You can pick up a Reverse Advent Calendar from October 14th 2024 at any of our participating Community Collection Points.
Once you have created your hamper you are welcome to drop it back to the Community Collection Point you picked it up from.
Manningham Christian Centre
143 Parker St, Templestowe
Open: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 2pm. Sunday 9am to 12:30pm.
Warrandyte Neighbourhood House
Lvl 1/168 Yarra St, Warrandyte.
Open: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm
Bendigo Bank Diamond Creek
U5/60 Main Rd, Diamond Creek
Open: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5pm
Bendigo Bank Eltham
958 Main Rd, Eltham
Open: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 5pm
Diamond Valley Community Support
Lvl 3, shop 378a, Greensborough Plaza
Open: Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm
Could this be you?
FAQ's
Do I need to place one item in the box each day?
No, it’s up to you! Some people shop for everything at once, while others pick up items weekly. You can even let your kids take charge with a shopping list—it’s all about what works for you.
What brands should I buy?
We recommend buying the brands your family enjoys or whatever fits your budget. Every contribution counts!
Can I make a gluten-free or culturally specific box?
Absolutely! We encourage you to do so. Just be sure to label the top of the box with the details so we can match it to the right family.
My box isn’t full after shopping—what should I do?
That’s perfectly fine! Our charity partners often add extra items to hampers. If you’d like to fill the space, consider adding something light and festive, like tinsel or a packet of chips.
I can’t get to a Collection Point. Can I still participate?
Of course! Download our PDF version [here], use shopping bags or your own box, and donate it to your nearest food relief program. Don’t forget to share a photo of your hamper on social media or email it to us—we’d love to feature your journey!
Can my workplace / school be involved?
We would love that. Schools and workplaces can be involved in a number of ways. We can provide you with Reverse Advent Calendars so your staff, customers, families, etc can participate or you can set your group a goal of filling a certain number hampers and run an internal food drive to fill them. Shoot us a message to get involved.
2024 Reverse Advent Calendar Sponsors
