Community generosity displayed in the 2021 Geelong Giving Tree Appeal

THE Greater Geelong community has risen to generously support those in need this Christmas, donating more than $90,000 to the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal.

The money raised between November 15 and December 7 will be distributed as gift cards to support local families and people in the community experiencing financial hardship, homelessness, serious family and relationship challenges or family violence.

The appeal is run by Bethany Community Support and Bay93.9, in collaboration with The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre (SAFV) and Barwon Child, Youth & Family (BCYF).

This year the appeal raised $90,759 – a big jump from the $67,000 raised in 2020 which was distributed between more than 2000 families and individuals.

Bethany Group CEO Mr Grant Boyd said organisers of the appeal were thrilled that the increase in generosity rose to match this year’s unprecedented increase in requests for support and financial assistance following a year of lockdowns.

“Thanks to the incredible generosity of local businesses and the community we have been able to support thousands of people to buy their children the present they most wanted, or give someone the chance to buy a present for themselves that they wouldn’t have otherwise afforded,” Mr Boyd said.

Acting CEO of The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre, Mary Cowell, said the generosity of the Geelong community shined through in the response to the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal and will ease the burden of those who have experienced a challenging year.

“The global pandemic has impacted everyone, but in particular, it has had a profound impact on women, children and young people living with family violence and people experiencing sexual assault with an increase in the number of people seeking support from our organisation this year. The funds raised this year means we can share the joy of supporting our client this Christmas,” Ms Cowell said.

This year on December 7, the final day of the appeal, the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal also ran ‘Giving Day’, where corporate donors matched donations, doubling funds raised on this day.

Partners included The Anthony Costa Foundation, APCO Foundation, Geelong Connected Communities and Ramsey Property Group.

To find out more about this year’s Geelong Giving Tree Appeal head to https://www.mycause.com.au/events/geelonggivingtreeappeal.