Community spirit under the giving tree

BALLARAT Carols by Candlelight is reminding residents that Christmas is not just about giving to family and friends, but back to the community.

Presenting partner, Harcourts Ballarat, and sponsor Peter Stevens Motorworld, are aiming to boost the Carols committee’s work to generate as much support as possible for the 3BA Christmas Appeal.

A giving tree has been set up at Harcourts’ Peel Street office, inviting members of the public to drop in and pop some toys, non-perishable food, or gift cards under the tree.

These donations will be evenly distributed amongst Appeal’s local beneficiary welfare agencies – Uniting, Anglicare, St Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army.

As part their core values, Harcourts’ director Peter Ludbrook said his team has a commitment to community involvement, which complements the Carols’ mission.

“It’s about putting people first, and understanding that without the Ballarat community, we wouldn’t have a business,” he said.

“This is a really nice way for us to give something to Ballarat without any expectation of anything in return. It’s a gift.

“Carols is a great way to reach all segments of the community, including those we don’t normally connect with. This year, more than ever, it’s important to get back out there with people.”

Although Ballarat is coming back to life after COVID-19 restrictions, Peter Stevens Motorworld director Matthew Newey said his business is keen to assist the many still doing it tough.

“We need to remember those people who are going to have a really difficult Christmas and rally the community in support of them,” he said.

“Peter Stevens Motorworld has been a part of the community since 1972, and it’s really important to us as a family-owned business that we continue to support the community in whichever way we can, including sponsorship of SpringFest, which has partnered with Carols this year.

“For SpringFest to find a solution and buddy up with Carols, after the disappointment of not being able to run the proper Market Sunday, that’s fantastic, because we’re 100 per cent behind both events.”

Ballarat Carols by Candlelight president Matt Hustwaite said without the backing of their sponsors, the event can’t happen.

“Aside from the fabulous financial support, Harcourts and Peter Stevens Motorworld are wonderfully active partners in wanting to be able to help us do everything we can to support the families with the Appeal, and ways they can help improve the event,” he said.

“The giving tree is a great opportunity for the community to further support the more than 5000 needy families that rely on the Appeal at Christmas time, and all contributions mean families can have food on the table and presents under the tree at a time that can be really tough for them.”