Giving Tree Appeal surpasses $100k target

THE greater Geelong community has given generously to this years Giving Tree Appeal, raising more than $114,000 to help hundreds of families experience a merrier Christmas.

The joint fundraiser for support services Bethany, Barwon Child, Youth & Family (BCYF) and the Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre (SAFV) had set a $100,000 goal, and the extra funding means almost 3,000 people will receive gift cards.

The cards can be used by struggling families to pay off lay-bys, purchase gifts for children, or provide Christmas lunch or dinner.

The tally is the result of a series of appeals that included businesses, schools, kindergartens, sporting and community groups raise funds from more than 530 donors.

“With their support, we will be changing Christmas day for thousands of local people in our community,” Bethany’s Deputy CEO, Bernadette McCartney said.

A competition to win a signed Joel Selwood jumper raised $2,100 alone from over 210 entries.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the support and care that our generous community has shown this year, through fundraising and donations to the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal. This year, more than ever, we know that it may have been extra tough to donate due to the pressures surrounding increased costs of living,” Ms McCartney said.

“Through these funds raised, we will be helping to change Christmas for more than 2,900 people in our local community who are currently being supported by Bethany Community Support, The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre and BCYF, as well as other local agencies.”

This years top fundraisers included the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness Social Club, Stage II, Cheer Geelong, Lyons Construction and City of Greater Geelong, and the appeal’s major partners were the Anthony Costa Foundation, Benefit Geelong, Bisinella, GMHBA, Cleanaway, Geelong Connected Communities and APCO Foundation.