As the festive season approaches, City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin encourages the community to support those in need with a donation to the 2024 Mount Gambier Community Mayor’s Christmas Appeal.
In challenging economic times, demand for assistance is expected to be greater than ever before throughout the Christmas period.
The appeal supports the Christmas Cheer program administered by local agencies Uniting Care, ac.care, St Vincent de Paul, and The Salvation Army to provide food hampers, gifts, and vouchers to families in need.
“With the rising cost of living, many people are facing increasing financial hardship. I am very conscious that not everyone will be in a position to support the appeal, but this considered, a donation of $50.00 will provide a food hamper for an individual whereas $100.00 will provide a food hamper for a family and allows a parent to present gifts to their children on Christmas morning,” Mayor Lynette Martin said.
Last year, the appeal raised more than $40,000, which assisted 826 adults, 626 children, and 816 families to enjoy a brighter Christmas.
“I expect there will be an increase in the number of families and individuals who require assistance this year, with many new faces who may not have sought help previously.”
“Donations to the appeal will make a real difference to help the less fortunate. Even small acts of kindness can have a big impact."
“We plan to light up windows of the Old Town Hall as we reach milestone donations, to showcase the generosity of the community,” the Mayor said.
The Mount Gambier Men’s Shed has created 130 toys to be distributed as part of the appeal this year.
“We've been doing this since 2016 and it’s become a significant part of the appeal. The guys really love doing it — myself, Ian, and Jim make the toys, while George and Gary handle most of the painting," Mount Gambier’s Mens Shed toy manager Peter Heness said.
Mayor Martin is appreciative of the Men’s Shed for their ongoing commitment and contribution to the appeal.
The Men’s Shed put so much time and effort into crafting the toys each year and I thank them for their kindness and thought for our local children in need. - Mayor Lynette Martin
Donations to the appeal can also be made through the following channels:
“If you are planning on being at the Mount Gambier Christmas Parade on Saturday 16 November 2024, please consider bringing some coins to toss into the buckets to donate to the appeal,” Mayor Martin said.
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Media and Communications Coordinator Sharny McLean on 0413 798 327 or smclean@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
