KIND-HEARTED community members dug deep to support the less fortunate in 2018, raising almost $30,000 for the Mount Gambier Mayor’s Christmas Appeal – the highest amount in several years.
A total of 739 children, 670 adults and 454 families were supported through the Christmas cheer program.
The appeal aims to ensure all community members can experience the joy of Christmas by providing food hampers, grocery vouchers, toys and gifts to individuals and families.
Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said she was grateful for the support of generous donors who contributed to the appeal.
“Now that we have collated the donations for 2018, I thank everyone who took the time to support the cause and think of the less fortunate in our community,” she said.
“I am so pleased that our community could come together to raise almost $30,000 to provide hampers, toys, food vouchers and gift cards for those in need.”
Funds raised through the appeal are provided to five local agencies who unite each year to distribute all donations through the program, including the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul, Uniting Care Mount Gambier, ac.care and Lifeline South East.
Ms Martin also praised the charity agencies for their distributive work.
“I would also like to recognise the ongoing support of Mount Gambier Central and the Men’s Shed for its donation of handmade toys,” she said.
Local training and apprenticeship provider Group Training Employment made the final donation of $1000 to the 2018 appeal.
Group Training Employment chair Julie Reis said the appeal was a “wonderful” community effort.
“It is a pleasure to support it,” she said.
Donations to the appeal can be made throughout the year.
Contact Mount Gambier City Council for further information.
