Bank’s community gives generously

FOR the sixth consecutive festive season, Community Bank Buninyong is supporting the Ballarat Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal.

The Bank has put up a giving tree, inviting people to drop by and place something special underneath for a child, teenager, or whole family in need.

Customer relationship officer Narelle Tatt is leading the project, and said non-perishable food, gift cards for supermarkets and present-buying, new unwrapped gifts for children and parents, and special Christmassy items are all gratefully accepted.

To be distributed by the local Salvos ahead of Christmas, everything will be collected from the Bank branch on Thursday, 16 December.

“This is all distributed to local Ballarat families, not just Buninyong, giving those who are experiencing hardship the ability to provide for their family,” Ms Tatt said.

“Parents can go to The Salvation Army, select gifts for their children, or receive gift cards to buy gifts or groceries.

“The appeal is often inundated with soft toys, baby and girls’ gifts, but we’re encouraging people to think about donating gifts for teenage boys as well.”

Delacombe Salvation Army corps officer Craig Farrell said the community contributions pulled together by the bank in recent years have always been generous.

“It helps us locally, so we’re really rapt to have their support,” he said.

“Food is really helpful at this time, more than other years. There’s so much pressure on families, and those living alone, to try to make those ends meet, especially at Christmas.

“A lot of people have stresses with the general cost of living, paying rent, and unemployment, especially due to the pandemic.”

Donations can be placed under the tree, or put in the care of Bank staff, up until close of business on Wednesday, 15 December.