Appeal shares kindness this Christmas

There is a sweet way to get behind this year’s Geelong Giving Tree Appeal and help those in our community doing it tough to have a brighter Christmas.

The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery team has created delicious limited edition “kindness chocolates”, with 50 per cent of proceeds going to the Appeal.

Co-ordinated by Meli, in partnership with The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre, the Appeal runs until December 9 and calls on the Greater Geelong community to share kindness to those who need it most.

Last year the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal supported more than 3200 families and individuals across the region to enjoy Christmas Day through the distribution of e-gift cards.

A perfect gift for loved ones, the oversized “kindness chocolates” cost $12.95 each and will help brighten the festive season for those who otherwise might not be able to afford a special Christmas meal or gifts.

Young Ned shows off some of the “kindness chocolates” which are helping to raise money for the appeal.

Chocolates can be purchased from the Chocolaterie in Bellbrae, Peachs Torquay, Blank Space South Geelong (in GMBHA Stadium) and The Gordon (Geelong city campus customer service desk).

Appeal Platinum Partner Cleanaway is sharing the kindness message on the streets of Geelong and beyond by adorning their trucks with the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal’s call to donate.

Cleanaway trucks encourage donations while sharing the message of kindness on the streets of Greater Geelong and beyond.

“It’s just one way we’re giving back to Geelong and together, we can make a significant and positive impact to lives in the community,” Solid Waste Services VIC/TAS general manager Preet Barr said.

Meli CEO Grant Boyd encouraged community members to consider even a small donation to make a difference to families and individuals in need of a helping hand.

“These small acts of kindness make for a brighter Christmas for all,” Mr Boyd said.

The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre chief executive officer Helen Bolton, said every child deserved to experience the joy of Christmas.

“Through donations to the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal, you can provide a gift that conveys inclusion and belonging.”

The 2023 Geelong Giving Tree Appeal is generously supported by Cleanaway, Anthony Costa Foundation, Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, City of Greater Geelong, Bisinella, West Carr & Harvey, GMHBA, Goodway, Geelong Connected Communities as well as media partners Times News Group and Bay 93.9.

To make a donation to the appeal, head to geelonggivingtree.com.au