Community encouraged to give to Christmas Appeal

THE community is being called upon to help everyone thrive through Christmas and beyond by supporting the Give Where You Live Foundation Christmas Appeal.

The annual giving campaign will support families who are facing homelessness and struggling to put food on the table.

All funds generated will go toward buying Community Choice vouchers for people to access basic necessities including food, material aid, and support for prescriptions.

Give Where You Live Foundation chief executive officer Bill Mithen said Christmas could often be one of the most difficult times of the year.

“Christmas is not the same for everyone in Geelong.

“For families facing hardship or living on low incomes and struggling to afford basic needs, the Christmas period can add significant stress and financial pressure.”

Latest research undertaken by the Foundation suggests 77 per cent of people seeking food relief services quoted the cost of living as being the key reason for needing support.

Many of these people are individuals and families with jobs and homes.

“A donation to the Christmas Appeal will enable the Give Where You Live Foundation to continue supporting the community through initiatives including our Community Choice voucher program to assist those who may be experiencing homelessness, food insecurity or long-term unemployment.

“We can’t do it without you, our community, who enable us to meet the needs of those in our community who need it most.”

This year, the appeal will be supported by the Community Care Chemist, who have jumped on board as a matching partner.

“The appeal supports those most in need over the Christmas period and we couldn’t help but be involved,” Community Care Chemist CEO Ben Flynn said.

“We love supporting Give Where You Live for all the great work they do. Spare a thought for those most in need and dig deep for your community this Christmas.”

To support the Foundation’s Christmas Appeal, head to givewhereyoulive.com.au