Local businesses, community groups, families and individuals are being encouraged to consider those who may be struggling this festive season by providing a donation to the 2021 Mount Gambier Community Mayor’s Christmas Appeal.
Mayor Lynette Martin said the local community raised a record amount of more than $40,000 for the appeal last year, which was 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.
Collectively the agencies aided approximately 700 adults and more than 620 children and teenagers last Christmas.
“Each year I am overwhelmed by those who donate so generously and given the circumstances and hardships experienced due to the impact of COVID-19, our support agencies are expecting even greater demand for assistance this year,” Mayor Martin said.
“As the festive season approaches I reflect that Christmas is not always a happy time for everyone in our community and as Mayor, I would like to work towards ensuring that we enable as many people as possible to experience the joy of Christmas.
“I am very conscious as a result of the ongoing pandemic that not everyone will be in a position to support the appeal, but this considered, a donation of as little as $50 can provide a Christmas hamper for an entire family and make a big difference on Christmas Day.”
ac.care Homelessness and Community Services Manager Trish Spark said the impact of COVID-19 on employment, incomes and housing affordability had increased the number of vulnerable people seeking support from agencies throughout 2021.
“Our staff have done their best to help secure housing and other support for vulnerable people in challenging circumstances and we are proud to have been able to make a significant difference in the lives of families and individuals,” Ms Spark said.
She encouraged anyone who may find themselves struggling financially this Christmas to register for support from the appeal by visiting or contacting ac.care or the other support agencies.
To donate, contact council on (08) 8721 2555 (Option 1) with your credit card details on hand, with council staff able to email a tax invoice, pay in person at council’s customer service counter at Civic Centre, 10 Watson Terrace, via cheque made out to ‘City of Mount Gambier’ PO Box 56 Mount Gambier, SA, 5290 with advice the cheque is a donation to the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal or via tins and a ‘tap and go’ EFTPOS payments available at local businesses.
All funds raised as part of the appeal are distributed within the local area.
