Earlier this year she helped to deliver hundreds of presents that had been amassed as part of the Operation Christmas Child project to children in Fiji.

Each year the project asks people to fill a shoebox with gifts which are then distributed to those in need across the South Pacific.

Mrs Limbrick has been involved with the project for 16 years, but this was the first time she had helped distribute the gifts.

“Going to Fiji and seeing that final part of the cycle was just amazing,” she said.

Mrs Limbrick travelled with a group of 14 people. During their nine-day trip they travelled to the most remote parts of Fiji and Labasa to deliver hundreds of gifts to children.

“We trekked through the mountains with a vehicle with no suspension in 40-degree heat with 99 per cent humidity,” she said.

Ms Limbrick said Fiji may be well known for its glamorous resorts, but many Fijians live in poverty.

They have homes without glass in the window spaces, and children lack the basic resources to take part in classes at school.

This year’s Operation Christmas Child will soon be launched in Bathurst, and Mrs Limbrick has encouraged the community to get involved.

A Christmas in July afternoon tea and information session will be held at Hope Church on Saturday, July 16 from 2-4pm.

Organisers have asked people to RSVP to Lisa Limbrick on 0402 323 733 or Faye Taylor on 0418 167 958. Operation Christmas Child is a project of the Samaritan’s Purse.