Share the joy of giving

CHRISTMAS is a time for joy and celebration, but for many in our community, it can be a difficult time. This festive season, we need your help to share the joy of giving to our community members who need support and kindness more than ever.

Tomorrow (Saturday. November 12), Bethany Community Support launches the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal in collaboration with Barwon Child, Youth and Family (BCYF) and The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre (The SAFV Centre).

The Geelong Giving Tree Appeal calls upon the generosity of the Geelong community to donate funds to provide gift cards to families and individuals within our community who need a helping hand.

With the rising costs of living, the continued effects of COVID and prevalence of sexual and family violence within our community, means the need for support for people who access our services continues to grow.

The recipients of these gift cards includes people experiencing family violence or sexual assault, financial and mental health issues, homelessness, gambling harm and other family relationship hardships.

The donated gift cards empower families and individuals living in Geelong and enables them to purchase Christmas gifts and food for their loved ones to share in the joy of Christmas.

This year, the appeal will launch as part of the City of Greater Geelong’s Floating Christmas Tree Sound and Light Show tomorrow and run until December 6.

Bethany Community Support deputy chief executive officer Bernadette McCartney said Bethany had seen an increase in new families and individuals seeking support this year, citing the prolonged impacts of the pandemic and increased cost of living as key drivers.

“This year more people than ever will need our support, with many feeling the pressure as we lead into the Christmas period.

“We’re encouraging our community to fundraise or donate to the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal to share the joy of giving.

You’ll be helping families create lifelong memories together and in some cases, enabling a parent to buy their child a present that they couldn’t otherwise afford.

It’s a unique opportunity to give and one we hope the Geelong Community will get behind once again. ”

“Last year the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal supported more than 850 families and individuals and, with your help, we can share the joy of Christmas with even more people this year.”

BCYF chief executive officer Sandy Morrison said: “What is wonderful about the Geelong community is that we are known to band together and show compassion and generosity to those who need it most and we are incredibly grateful to the people, businesses and organisations who are able to donate to this fundraising appeal.

She said it had been a challenging past few years, and with the cost of living on the rise, the most vulnerable would again feel the strain this festive season.

“By making even a small donation you can contribute to parents buying a present for a child with something on their Santa list or being able to create an extra special meal over the festive season to share with loved ones.

These seemingly small acts of kindness make for a brighter Christmas for all.

“Being able to work collaboratively to make Christmas a happier time for children, young people and families across our region supports BCYF’s Christmas wish, which is a community where people are safe, connected and empowered to live well.”

The SAFV Centre chief executive officer Helen Bolton said: “Christmas can be a challenging time for anyone, but for those who have experienced hardship, the stress, social expectations and loneliness at this time of year can be even greater.

“Donating to the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal not only provides a financial gift, it also provides the gift of community, inclusion and belonging which can make a significant impact to someone who has experienced trauma.

Over the past two years, we are truly grateful for the generosity of the community and we encourage you again to brighten someone’s Christmas this year by donating to the Appeal.”

Donate to the Geelong Giving Tree Appeal from November 12-December 6 at geelonggivingtree.com.au

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