Cafs call out for family support this Christmas

MORE than six hundred local people seeking emergency relief are expected to benefit from this year’s Cafs Christmas Appeal.

Due to cost-of-living pressures, the welfare organisation’s staff are seeing more clients in need of support than ever before, and once again Cafs are running their annual appeal to ensure families have groceries and presents this Christmas.

CEO Wendy Sturgess said their aim is to raise $40,000 before 25 December.

“As a uniquely Ballarat organisation we recognise that families in our community have widely varying needs,” she said.

“We believe that we have managed to secure sufficient physical gifts for children in care, however, we urgently require gift vouchers that can be used to purchase groceries or gifts by families that are experiencing hardship.”

The appeal funds will go towards people who are assisted by Cafs’ youth care, family support, housing and homelessness, and client engagement departments.

Money raised will also help to cover the costs of a Carer Family Day, with Cafs aiming to offer experiences and respite to their foster, kinship, and residential care communities at function, camp, and accommodation venue, Cave Hill Creek, just north of Beaufort.

One hundred and fifty people are expected to attend the Carer Family Day, taking part in outdoor activities, and enjoying a special lunch.

Visit cafs.org.au or drop into 115 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat to donate to the Cafs Christmas Appeal.

Gift vouchers can also be delivered to the office, and monetary donations over $2 are tax deductible.