Donations to the Mount Gambier Community Mayor’s Christmas Appeal are set to eclipse the 2020 fundraising record of just over $40,000, with more than $39,000 received so far this year.
Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin is thrilled by the response of local people who have chosen to put those who may be struggling this festive season front of mind.
“I have been overwhelmed and gratified by the generosity already shown by our very supportive community.
“It really is such a wonderful feeling to know that so many people care to make the lives of others a little better during this special time of year,” Mayor Martin said.
All funds raised as part of the appeal are distributed to local support agencies including Uniting Care, ac.care, Lifeline SE, St Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army to provide food hampers, vouchers and gifts through the Christmas Cheer program.
The Mayor and special guest visitor Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC met with local agencies last week to see firsthand how they were managing toy and hamper distribution preparations in the lead up to Christmas.
Uniting Care Christmas Appeal Coordinator Jan Stafford said volunteers had been busy wrapping gifts and arranging hampers to be distributed to those who had registered for assistance this festive season.
“We wrapped almost 100 gifts for children earlier this week and we will distribute the toys and 40 hampers on Monday 20 December 2021,” Mrs Stafford said.
Five Men’s Shed “toy boys” have been working hard throughout the year to create and paint 150 wooden toys for donation to the appeal once again in 2021.
“All five of us worked a total of about 1560 hours to craft and paint the toys,” Ian Bond said.
“This year we have got a plane, a hobby horse, a push along penguin, a helicopter, a phone, a sewing machine, a clock and an abacus for our young children.”
The Mayor welcomed the donation.
“These toys make Christmas such a happy day for children in our community that would not otherwise receive a gift and I am very grateful for the contribution,” Mayor Martin said.
“Girls on a Mission” – a group of young Mount Gambier girls from the age of five to 13 have been fundraising in their neighbourhood during the school holidays throughout the year.
The girls sold walnuts, lemons, lemonade, organic eggs from pet chickens and homemade muffins.
They also created bracelets, keyrings, stress balls and bookmarks and painted terracotta pots to raise money in the community.
“The girls came past my house selling lemonade earlier this year and I was only too pleased to buy some and can attest to the fact that it was delicious,” Mayor Martin said.
“I am so touched the girls decided to donate to the appeal, it is wonderful they all gather together to raise funds and have such kind hearts to give back to those less fortunate in the community.”
The girls decided to donate their profits to the Mount Gambier Community Mayor’s Christmas Appeal to help others this Christmas.
