Winter Appeal aims for wrap-around relief

THE 2026 Ballarat Winter Appeal is underway, having been officially launched at partner business, Creswick Woollen Mills.

Under the stewardship of the Ballarat Foundation and with the support of residents and businesses across the city, the appeal annually aims to provide targeted assistance to the agencies delivering emergency relief in the Ballarat region – Anglicare, Uniting Vic.Tas, St Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army.

The foundation’s goal is to distribute $45,000 worth of food, blankets and financial support this season.

“We’re seeing more people in our community doing it tough, and winter only adds to that pressure,” said Ballarat Foundation CEO Andrew Eales.

“The appeal is about making sure people have access to the basics, whether that’s food, warm clothing or support through local services.”

On Tuesday, $25,000 worth of non-perishable food and essential household items was donated to the appeal by Blakes Family Grocers Ballarat.

Their donations were picked up by O’Neils Transport for free and delivered to the emergency relief agencies.

Creswick Woollen Mills’ Boaz Herszfeld said his business is donating rough sleeping blankets for the homeless, and wool block check blankets for those who can’t afford to heat their homes.

Salvation Army Ballarat corps officer – team leader Major Peter Walker said the need for emergency relief is higher than ever before with the cost of living crisis, gas and fuel prices, and inflation.

At the Ballarat Community Church on Eureka Street, Salvos welfare workers lead the Doorways food program, offer financial counselling, and more.

Walker said they “haven’t got enough appointments in the day” for how many locals are seeking assistance.

“People are just really struggling to make ends meet, so the appeal is a wonderful opportunity to support community,” he said.

“It’s about coming together to do the best we can to help community be the best it can be.

“People are making a choice between buying food or paying for power, and that’s a choice you don’t want to have to be making. So if we can make a difference in one person’s life then it’s all worth it.”

Anglicare Ballarat’s Kim Boyd said donations of good quality coats and blankets, warm pullovers, trackies and socks can be dropped off at their 14 Victoria Street, Bakery Hill base from 10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday.

“Non-perishable food is welcome as well,” she said.

“We know we’ve had a warm autumn, but we enourage people to donate now before it gets really cold.”

For more information about making a financial or physical donation, visit ballaratfoundation.org.au