Time to dig deep for others

City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin is encouraging the community to support those in need with a donation to the recently launched 2024 Mount Gambier Community Mayor’s Christmas Appeal.

In challenging economic times, demand for assistance is expected to be greater than ever before throughout the Christmas period.

The appeal supports the Christmas Cheer program administered by local agencies Uniting Care, ac.care, St Vincent de Paul, and The Salvation Army to provide food hampers, gifts, and vouchers to families in need.

“With the rising cost of living, many people are facing increasing financial hardship,” Mayor Martin said. “I am very conscious that not everyone will be in a position to support the appeal, but this considered, a donation of $50.00 will provide a food hamper for an individual whereas $100.00 will provide a food hamper for a family and allows a parent to present gifts to their children on Christmas morning.”

Last year, the appeal raised more than $40,000, which assisted 826 adults, 626 children, and 816 families to enjoy a brighter Christmas.

“I expect there will be an increase in the number of families and individuals who require assistance this year, with many new faces who may not have sought help previously,” the Mayor said. “Donations to the appeal will make a real difference to help the less fortunate. Even small acts of kindness can have a big impact.

“We plan to light up windows of the Old Town Hall as we reach milestone donations, to showcase the generosity of the community.

The Mount Gambier Men’s Shed has created 130 toys to be distributed as part of the appeal this year.

Mount Gambier’s Men’s Shed toy manager Peter Heness said they’ve been doing this since 2016 and it had become a significant part of the appeal.

“The guys really love doing it — myself, Ian, and Jim make the toys, while George and Gary handle most of the painting,” he said.

Mayor Martin was appreciative of the Men’s Shed for their ongoing commitment and contribution to the appeal.

“The Men’s Shed put so much time and effort into crafting the toys each year and I thank them for their kindness and thought for our local children in need,” she said.

Donations to the appeal can also be made through the following channels:

Call (08) 8721 2555 with your credit card details on hand. Council staff will email you a tax invoice.

Donate in person at the City of Mount Gambier Customer Service counter – Civic Centre, 10 Watson Terrace.

Send a cheque made out to ‘City of Mount Gambier’ PO Box 56 Mount Gambier SA 5290 with advice that the cheque is a donation to the Community Mayor’s Christmas Appeal, to enable a tax invoice to be issued.

Tins and a ‘tap and go’ EFTPOS system will also be available at local businesses.

“If you are planning on being at the Mount Gambier Christmas Parade on Saturday, please consider bringing some coins to toss into the buckets to donate to the appeal,” Mayor Martin said.