BALLARAT Salvation Army is hopeful that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in the local community and are encouraging everyone to give a hand up to someone in need.<\/p>\n
The Salvos annual Christmas Cheer program is designed to help in many ways – supplying toys and food for those in need, holding a community carols event and preparing a special Christmas Day service.<\/p>\n
Aside from being one of the four agencies assisting the 3BA Christmas Appeal, the Army still provide over 1000 meals as part of their meals program throughout December.<\/p>\n
Around 1500 people come through the door seeking food vouchers and presents over the festive season.<\/p>\n
With their figures showing a lot of families only get two good meals a week, many will not get a meal over Christmas.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are trying to tap into that by helping people enjoy this Christmas as much as possible and hopefully also to get a good meal in their tummies,\u201d said Salvation Army major Andrew van Gaalen.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is always good if we can help our neighbours, it\u2019s a very positive way to build a community, but helping us to help others is also a great way to reach out to the community with our Christmas Cheer designed to meet a lot of needs.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe best way to be honest is a cash donation so that we can then distribute in other ways as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
While $29 will provide food on the table and a present under the Christmas tree, helping someone with an electricity bill could also change a family\u2019s whole Christmas.<\/p>\n
The Salvation Army Carol service is on Sunday, 16 December at 10.00am at 102 Eureka Street Ballarat.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BALLARAT Salvation Army is hopeful that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in the local community and are encouraging everyone to give a hand up to someone in need. The Salvos annual Christmas Cheer program is designed to help in many ways – supplying toys and food for those in need, holding a community […]<\/p>\n