St Kilda Football Club staff and players have forgeone the traditional Kris Kringle gift exchange this Christmas in support of purchasing Christmas gifts to assist the club’s charity partner Challenge.

Challenge brings colour and relief to the lives of children and families licing with cancer. With an emphasis on fun, Challenge provides a range of practical services and therapies and a program of tailored experiences to focus on the good things in life.

St Kilda staff and players donated toys, books and DVDs for children of all ages to the charity to distribute a week

Challenge Chief Executive Officer David Rogers said it meant a lot for the organisation to help make a memorable Christmas for those who needed it.

“On Christmas day we will be going into hospital and providing children with the present of their choice. Siblings will also get a present and mums and dads will get a hamper,” Rogers said.

“It is a very special time for everyone in the world but for us it is even more special. Families are coming together to celebrate life and it is a very emotional time that we want to help make as memorable as possible.”

Rogers said he was delighted to have St Kilda on board once again for the charity drive.

“We have a long-term partnership with the Saints and this is an extension of what is already a great relationship,” he said.

“This is one more step in to what families live with and it is great to see St Kilda embrace that.”