Holiday Appeal underway

THINGS are looking a little bit different this year for 3BA’s annual Christmas Appeal.

In its 41st year of operation, for the first time ever, organisers of the appeal are calling for predominantly cash donations.

Ambassador of the appeal Peter Caligari said that this year the long running and widely respected appeal is entering unknown territory.

“The coronavirus which we have lived with for most of the year has created difficulties for virtually every citizen, businesses both large and small and many other organizations,” he said.

“Unfortunately, this year’s appeal will be conducted in the most difficult economic circumstances I have seen during my long association with the appeal.

“Cash donations are of the greatest value to this year’s appeal, whilst donations of toys and food items also provide significant assistance.”

The appeal provides goods and support to four welfare agencies including Uniting Ballarat, Anglicare, the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Society thanks to the generosity of residents.

Mr Caligari said he’s confident this virtue will continue this holiday season.

“I am confident that the very generous and caring Ballarat area community will again recognize that we have a huge number of less fortunate and desperate families requiring assistance,” he said.

“We have received support from Selkirk Bricks and Pavers, the Rotary Club of Ballarat and Toyworld Ballarat where Santa’s Christmas Tree is already on display and collecting toys for children in need.

“We encourage people to go up there and buy a toy and put it under the tree.”

While things are different this year around, 3BA general manager John Fitzgibbon said he hopes the public can adapt to the needs of this year’s appeal.

“It’s really important this year that people give cash because that gives us flexibility to purchase for the agencies what they need so it’s more targeted,” he said.

“We need to be flexible this year because demand is unknown, there’s so many local families that are doing it tough much more than any other time we have experienced in the history of the appeals.

“The community as a whole has had a really tough year, but we are encouraged by the feedback that we’re getting that Ballarat people are going to continue to support the appeal and we thank them for anything that they can give.”

To contribute to the appeal, Mr Fitzgibbon said to look out for donation tins around the city or donate online at 3ba.com.au.

You can also use the direct deposit details of: National Australia Bank, account name – Radio Ballarat Pty Ltd Christmas Appeal Trust, BSB 083 526, account number – 63546 3252.