Winter appeal gets underway

WITH the arrival of the chilly season and many people feeling the pinch of increasing living costs, the Ballarat Foundation has launched the 2023 Ballarat Winter Appeal.

Community members are being encouraged to donate cash, non-perishable food, clothing, and blankets, which will be distributed to local emergency relief agencies the Salvation Army, Uniting, Anglicare, and St Vincent de Paul.

The Salvos’ Kaz Thomas leads the Ballarat Community Church’s meals program and said she is serving many new clients of different demographics.

“We’re seeing lots of homeless, and families living in their cars; mum, dad and two kids,” she said.

“Donations are needed more now than they have been in a long time, and since COVID, it just seems to be getting worse.

“Dig deep. If we don’t get these donations, we won’t be able to help those who most need it.”

Agency representatives expressed gratitude to Blake Family Grocers, who have already provided $33,000 worth of food, which was delivered in-kind by O’Neil’s Transport to Vinnies’ base in Dawson Street this week.

Ballarat Foundation has been the steward of the long-running appeal since last year, and CEO Andrew Eales said the aim is to generate $50,000 worth of donations in 2023.

“This winter is going to be incredibly challenging for many Ballarat families,” he said.

“Cost of living pressures means many are facing decisions about basics such as using heating or buying food.

“Every dollar raised through the appeal directly supports those in need in the Ballarat community.”

Visit bit.ly/42kJXjj to donate money. Food, blankets, and clothing can be given directly to The Salvation Army’s Ballarat Community Church on the corner of Eureka Street and Main Road.