Gunnedah Shire Council is again calling out to the community to give generously to the Community Christmas Tree Appeal.
Council’s Community Christmas Tree Toy and Food Appeal focuses on the collection of food and toys for distribution by the Salvation Army to local individuals and families who are facing tough times over Christmas.
{rsfiles path="GunnedahShireCouncil/COUNCIL/KEEP-IN-TOUCH/News-and-Media/Media-Releases/Connecting Our Community Through Compassion Poster.pdf"}
This appeal will be boosted by Gunnedah Shire Library’s Food For Fines initiative, which encourages payment of library fines with donations non-perishable food items to the value of the fine.
Mayor Jaimie Chaffey said, “I am excited to get behind these great initiatives which are now in their third year. Residents throughout the Gunnedah Shire have always proven to be extremely compassionate and generous, and both of these Appeals provide a great way for all of us to reach out and help others at what is such a special time of year.”
“The Appeal will complement the wonderful work of the Salvation Army and other local emergency relief and support services during what is normally their busiest time of the year, and I encourage everyone to get involved,” Mayor Chaffey continued.
Residents can show support and give to a child in need this Christmas by placing an unwrapped toy under one of the Christmas trees located at:
- Council’s Customer Service Centre, 63 Elgin Street
- The Civic, 83 Chandos Street
- Gunnedah Shire Library, 291 Conadilly Street
For health and hygiene reasons, pre-loved toys cannot be accepted and only in-date canned and/or non-perishable food can be accepted for donation. To ensure that items are delivered to appropriate recipients, donations should not be gift wrapped.
The final collection date will be Tuesday, 20th December 2016.
For more information on how you can get involved contact Gunnedah Shire Council Community & Social Planner Debra Hilton on 02 6740 2100.
Last year the Salvation Army helped over 300,000 Australians in need at Christmas time. In 2015, Salvation Army figures revealed that 55% of disadvantaged people were not able to give gifts to their family and friends at least once a year.
ENDS
Media Contact: Tom Plevey 02 6740 2100
