Giving Tree Appeal launches

The appeal encourages people and businesses to leave unwrapped gifts under official Giving Tree sites so they can be given to struggling people.

Community support agencies MacKillop Family Services, SalvoConnect Barwon, Diversitat, genU/Matchworks, The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre, Barwon Child, Youth and Family, and Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative are partnering the appeal.

Bethany team leader Kristy Berryman said the appeal has a great effect on the recipients of the gifts.

“The impact of providing a gift to someone who would not have received one is widespread and truly changes their experience of Christmas.”

This year the appeal is aiming to provide at least 10,000 gifts to support more than 3,000 people ranging from infants to adults.

Bethany chief executive officer Grant Boyd said the appeal’s successful history was a credit to the community.

“The success of the campaign is underpinned by the Geelong community and their wiliness to support others. We are asking for early donations, as this will allow us to provide the gifts to people before Christmas Day.”

There are more than 70 Giving Tree sites across the Geelong, Bellarine, Surf Coast, Golden Plains and Wyndam regions.

These sites are at a range of retail stores, gyms, real estate offices, banks, post offices and libraries. These include Bendigo Bank branches in Torquay, Ocean Grove, Lorne, Winchelsea Anglesea, Barwon Heads, Belmont, Waurn Ponds and Geelong

The appeal will run until December 13.

Bethany have also made it easier to give gifts this year through their online gift portal.

To donate or find out more information, head to bethany.org.au.