Advent initiative supports locals in need

GEELONG locals are encouraged to support people experiencing food insecurity this festive season by filling a special gift box during advent.

Families, individuals, schools and businesses taking part in the Reverse Advent Calendar initiative place a non-perishable food or toiletry items into a box every day for 20 days.

Once filled, the boxes are donated to the Bellarine and Northside Salvation Army and staff will distribute the boxes to people in need in the community.

Geelong group co-ordinator Rachel Francis said she was hopeful the community would help to fill up 550 boxes during the campaign.

“The numbers of people being food deprived and going without is skyrocketing.

“This year, we are aware it might be more expensive for people to fill their box, but we are still hoping people feel they can give, particularly because of how many people are in need this year.

“Last year we had about 450 boxes, which equated to about $30,000 to $40,000 worth of goods donated by the Geelong community, which is huge!

“To get 550 this year would be amazing and so far, the boxes are going super-fast.”

Mrs Francis said the activity promoted Christmas as not just a time to receive, but more importantly, a time to give.

“We really love the idea of taking the focus off receiving and putting it back on giving.

“A lot of families have loved getting involved over the years because they can give their children the chance to give at Christmas, rather than just thinking about what they can get.

“Something like this is just a small way local people and their families can help to make a difference.”

Empty boxes can now be collected from the City on a Hill Geelong Church at 230 McKillop Street, East Geelong.

Completed boxes are to be returned to the same location by December 16.

City on a Hill Geelong Church will be hosting a family fun day event on December 16 to thank participants for their generosity.

To find more information, head to Reverse Advent Calendar Geelong’s Facebook page.