Geelong community to give this festive season

THIS Christmas, Geelong locals are encouraged to support people experiencing food insecurity by taking part in the annual Reverse Advent Calendar initiative.

For 20 days in December, families, individuals and community groups will place an item of non-perishable food or toiletries into their Reverse Advent Calendar box.

Once filled, boxes will be donated to the Bellarine and Northside Salvation Army to be distributed to people experiencing food insecurity.

Reverse Advent Calendar Geelong co-ordinator Rachel Francis said last year the initiative donated 300 boxes of Christmas treats and food essentials to families across Corio and the Bellarine.

Mrs Francis said she hoped to donate 400 boxes, including 50 boxes that were specifically tailored for new Australians in 2022.

“It’s been taken up well so far and many boxes have already been picked up,” Mrs Francis said.

“Food insecurity is obviously an increasing issue due to the rise in cost of living, people are actually genuinely struggling.

“This is a way that we can care and get them through this Christmas period.

“The box means that some parents can buy their children Christmas gifts rather than having to worry about food.”

The Reverse Advent Calendar giving boxes were originally set up in Ballarat and are now sent all over Australia.

Mrs Francis said the activity reflects the most selfless part of Christmas, which is giving and encouraged families and children to get involved.

“If the appeal goes beyond 400 boxes in Geelong this year, then we will be stoked,” she said.

“We hope to expand the reach and get more people involved.”

The boxes are available at 230 McKillop Street, East Geelong.

Return completed Reverse Advent Calendar boxes to the same location on December 19 between 3-6.30pm.

To find more information, head to Reverse Advent Calendar Geelong’s Facebook page at facebook.com/profile.php?id=100053711386126