CHRISTMAS will become much brighter for many struggling families in the region this year with thanks to the Mount Gambier Community of Helping Hands and the Mount Gambier and District Community Bank.
Wanting to ensure all families have a happy and joyous day, they have called on the local community to donate presents for children to help ease the financial pressures that come with the festive season.
Setting up a wishing tree in the business, bank manager Tracey Koop said it was important for them to support local families needing some extra support.
“Each year we set up our wishing tree and donate gifts to different organisations, including Foodbank and ac.care and contribute to the national Kmart and Target appeals,” she said.
“However, after hearing of the work Trudi Shelton has been doing with the Mount Gambier Community of Helping Hands, we decided we wanted to help someone who has taken it upon herself to help the local community.
“It is just fantastic what she is doing and if we can help in any little way then we are more than happy too.”
Inspired by Ms Shelton’s enthusiasm, customer relationship officer Larnka Foran said customers had been generous with their donations.
“One of the reasons we wanted to participate is because of her enthusiasm and passion for helping the local community,” she said.
“We have a lot of giving customers who like to help out particularly locally, they are invested in the community.”
Collecting donations from many generous community members, Ms Shelton said the gifts would go to families from Melaleuca, Nangwarry, North and Yahl primary schools, as well as two families in Millicent.
“I have identified through my experience and work at schools which families need support this year,” she said.
“It is a real honour and privileged to be in a position to distribute presents to kids who might otherwise not receive any or little.
“I love what I do, I’m the one who gets to see the looks on the faces of families, the happiness and joy it brings which is pretty amazing to be part of.”
