Christmas appeal underway

THE annual Ballarat Christmas Appeal launched on Wednesday morning to support families experiencing hardship across the city this season.

Led by the Ballarat Foundation, the appeal’s funds will continue to be shared amongst local emergency relief charities Uniting Ballarat, The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society, and Anglicare Ballarat, who will distribute vouchers, food, essentials, and gifts.

Anglicare community development manager Kim Boyd said more families than ever are asking for help.

“Fuel and power prices are a big concern and really cutting into their daily living expenses,” she said.

“The appeal is going to make it possible to give people regular food, but its also going to make it possible to give people vouchers and toys at Christmas, so kids can have a present under the tree.”

Emergency relief coordinator Tania Jennings said Uniting Ballarat has also seen a large increase in families needing assistance.

“This year, the numbers have gone up by nearly double, and going into Christmas that’s going to rise further,” she said.

“We’ll predominantly give vouchers to people who register for Christmas, but if we do get donations of toys, we’ll be able to give them to families with children.

“Get behind the Ballarat community, the appeal, and those less fortunate. There’s a real demand out there.”

3BA continues to be a major partner, and general manager John Fitzgibbon said he encourages the community to support it, as they have done for 40 years.

“The cost of living pressures are making it a very scary proposition for local families this Christmas, so we’re going to need the help of the whole community to help the agencies,” he said.

The aim of Ballarat Foundation CEO Andrew Eales is to raise $50,000 in the next two months.

“We see an important role in us bringing community together,” he said. “3BA have long been the custodians of the appeal, and we’re working with them to create a sustainable way to continue to support these great agencies.”

Financial donations can be made at ballaratfoundation.org.au and are tax deductible over $2.