Mayor’s Christmas appeal success

BIG CHEQUE FROM MAYOR'S CHRISTMAS APPEAL: Uniting Care representative Laura Kilsby (left), Salvation Army representative Daniel Scordia, Mayor Lynette Martin, Lifeline representative Shane Mitchell, St Vincent de Paul representative John D’Souza and ac.care representative Trish Spark

THE local community has raised a record breaking $51,231.60 for the Mount Gambier Community Mayor’s Christmas Appeal, eclipsing the previous year’s fundraising record of just over $40,000.

City of Mount Gambier Mayor, Lynette Martin said she was overwhelmed and grateful for the generosity shown by the community.

“We were hoping to surpass last year’s total to be able to provide some additional support to those in need, but to break last year’s record by more than $10,000 is simply amazing,” Mayor Martin said.

All funds raised as part of the appeal are distributed to local support agencies including Uniting Care, ac.care, Lifeline SE, St Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army to provide food hampers, vouchers and gifts through the Christmas Cheer program.

“The five support agencies used the funds they received as part of the program to support 761 adults, 415 children and 167 teenagers over the festive season.”

“I appreciate that it has been a challenging year for many people as we navigate through the Covid pandemic, so to see so many people come forward to help others is truly uplifting and a wonderful reflection of the generosity of our community.”