General News
27 November, 2024
The season for giving
WHILE Christmas is a joyous time for many, there are others in our community who struggle through the festive season and now is the time to give to help them enjoy the holidays.
Tablelands Mayor Rod Marti believes Christmas is a great time to consider the less fortunate in our community.
“Not everyone has money to spare, especially at Christmas time, and some just have trouble making ends meet, but with a donation to the Mayor’s Community Christmas Appeal you can make a difference to people and families in need,” he said.
He is urging the community to donate money to fund food vouchers that are distributed to those who need them.
“These will be distributed by emergency relief agencies — Better Together Community Centre, ECHO Empowering Services Neighbourhood Centre, Ravenshoe Community Centre, St Vincent de Paul Society (Atherton and Ravenshoe) and Salvation Army,” Mayor Marti said.
“Last year, 164 vouchers were distributed, valued at more than $10,000.”
Anyone who wishes to donate can do so by dropping cash into the donation tins at any of TRC’s customer service centres or deposit funds into the Tablelands Regional Council Community Christmas Appeal Gift Trust — BSB 084 512, Account Number 144 690 848 (put your name in the description). Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
Non-perishable food and Christmas goodies like bonbons and decorations can be dropped at the TRC customer service centres and libraries in Atherton, Herberton, Malanda and Ravenshoe, and at community organisations - Better Together Community Centre, ECHO Empowering Services Neighbourhood Centre, Ravenshoe Community Centre, St Vincent de Paul Society in Atherton and in Ravenshoe, and Salvation Army at Tolga.
New toys (not handmade) and gift cards for teenagers can be left under the Giving Tree at Atherton Big W and at the Salvation Army Family Store in Tolga.
“A simple gesture can make all the difference to a struggling person or family,” Mayor Marti said.
