Donations to the Mount Gambier Community Mayor’s Christmas Appeal are rolling in, the total sitting at just over $30,000 a week before Christmas.
City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin is pleased by the response of local people who are considering those who may be struggling this festive season.
I am always humbled by the generosity of our supportive community. This year is particularly difficult for many people with the escalating cost of living. It really is wonderful to know that people continue to consider others during this special time of year. - City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin
All funds raised as part of the appeal are distributed to local support agencies including Uniting Care, ac.care, St Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army to provide food hampers, vouchers and gifts through the Christmas Cheer program.
"I thank the agencies for the important role they play in delivering the program," Mayor Martin said.
Young helpers assisted St Vincent de Paul volunteers in packing the toys and hampers ready for delivery to local families with children who had registered for assistance this festive season this week.
“Our team of volunteers has assembled 33 toy boxes, each valued at up to $120, benefiting around 97 children collectively. In addition to these generous contributions, we've also prepared 112 food hampers for distribution later this week.” St Vincent de Paul representative John D'Souza said.
Six Mount Gambier Men’s Shed members spent hundreds of hours this year crafting 130 handmade wooden toys to donate to the 2023 Mount Gambier Community Mayor's Christmas Appeal.
“Over the past seven years the volunteers at the Men’s Shed have made 1000 toys for children in our community. We love doing this to make sure that our local kids receive gifts at Christmas,” Men’s Shed volunteer Peter Heness said.
Mayor Lynette Martin thanked the Men’s Shed for their ongoing contribution to the Appeal.
“The Men’s Shed is so dedicated with the work they put into these toys each year and I am grateful for their ongoing support to ensure local children have a happy Christmas,” Mayor Martin said.
The Mount Gambier Library coordinated a Christmas Book Drive as part of the Mayor's Christmas Appeal, with 246 books generously donated by the community this year and distributed by all agencies involved.
It is not too late to donate to the appeal. All funds raised are distributed within the local area.
Donations can be made through the following channels:
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Communications Officer Maddi Brookes on 8721 2577 or mbrookes@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
