Local businesses, community groups, families and individuals are encouraged to consider those less fortunate this festive season and donate to the 2018 Mount Gambier Community Mayor’s Christmas Appeal.
City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin today accepted 100 handmade wooden toys as donations to the appeal created by members of the Mount Gambier Men’s Shed.
“About six of us have spent hundreds of hours throughout the past year putting together and painting the toys,” Men’s Shed Publicity Officer Peter Heness said.
“Using donated timber and paint from Mitre 10 and Bunnings, we’ve made wooden toy buses, abacuses, hobby horses, dogs, ducks and cradles for the children. The hardest part was the painting and we’ve done our very best to ensure that each child receives a quality toy.”
“I am so pleased to accept these beautiful wooden toys from the Men’s shed. I thank everyone who was involved in this project and I am certain the children who receive them will get great pleasure from them,” Mayor Martin said.
The appeal provides a united and direct local response to the needs of the community during the Christmas period each year. Uniting Care, ac.care, Lifeline SE, St Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army jointly distribute all donations through the Christmas Cheer program.
“The appeal provides much needed support for less fortunate, vulnerable or isolated members of the local community at Christmas,” Mayor Martin said.
For most people in our community, Christmas is a happy time spent with family and friends but unfortunately there are some who find it a lonely time. This is my first Christmas as Mayor of Mount Gambier and I really would like to make it a happier one for these members of our community. - Mayor Lynette Martin
“Last year, the Mount Gambier Mayor's Community Christmas Appeal assisted 440 families, 753 adults, 152 teenagers and 500 children with Christmas food hampers, vouchers or gifts.”
All funds raised as part of the appeal are distributed within the local area, with demand for support greater than ever as the cost of living continues to rise.
“I’ll be approaching the business community directly and by letter and hope they will support the cause. I encourage shop owners to place an appeal donation tin on their counters to do what they can to help,” Mayor Martin said.
A donation of just $50 can make a big difference to local families.
Donations can also be made through the following channels:
For further information please contact City of Mount Gambier Media and Communications Coordinator Sharny McLean on 8721 2401 or smclean@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
