Advent initiative to give to those in need

WITH the Christmas season fast approaching, everyone is being encouraged to get into the spirit of giving as part of the Bacchus Marsh Reverse Advent Calendar initiative.

Launched at St Andrew’s Uniting Church a fortnight ago, the local program invites participants to gift an essential item each day across 20 days, which will then be donated to one of three local non-profits.

“We’ve got schools, gyms, individuals, and families who are taking boxes,” coordinator Iris Blythe said.

“The aim is to bring a bit of cheer and help people at Christmas time. It can be a fairly lonely time and people can feel forgotten.

“When they’re struggling to put food on the table every day, Christmas is something they can think they might have to forget this year.”

Boxes will be donated between Bacchus Marsh’s Soul Food, Cafs, and Uniting Norlane, where they will then go towards those doing it tough.

Established in Ballarat five years ago, the national initiative came to Bacchus Marsh three years ago, starting with 40 boxes.

Nearly all 200 boxes in the program have been exhausted, with the option open to order more.

“This is getting considerably more popular every year,” Ms Blythe said. “We’ve probably got about 13 boxes left at the moment.

“I know families with young children will often get them to put an item each day so they’re aware of where it’s going.

“That’s how the whole thing got started with Heather Luttrell in Ballarat. She didn’t like the idea her children were growing up with the idea that at Christmas it’s get, get, get.

“She wanted them to be aware it’s great to be able to give at Christmas and at other times.”

Participants are to bring their filled boxes back to St Andrew’s Uniting Church on Sunday 15 or Monday 16 December between 8.30am and 1.00pm.

To arrange to pick up a box, contact Ms Blythe on 0408 106 733 or visit the local program’s Facebook page.