FESTIVE cheer was shared among hundreds of country South Australians last month thanks to generous community support.
Food, toys, vouchers and other goods were distributed to people in need across the Riverland, Murraylands and Limestone Coast, delivering welcomed relief during the holiday period.
Broad support was once again received by the Riverland Christmas Appeal, which received 495 applications from people seeking help to navigate the festive season.
Staff from the ac.care Berri Community Centre supported the appeal’s distribution days held across the Riverland, which resulted in 546 hampers being handed out to support 1054 people, including 398 children.
The Murraylands community rallied behind the annual Murraylands Christmas Cheer Appeal, held in conjunction with The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul and the Rural City of Murray Bridge, with 180 families supported, including over 200 children.
The combined appeal was backed up by support from business giving trees, as well as community and individual donations, which helped to increase the impact on country people in need.
Drakes Supermarket Murray Bridge and Radio 5MU was one of several strong supporters of the 2024 collection with the Toys n Tins initiative collecting an array of toys and non-perishable foods for distribution to local people.
Festive spirit was also spread in the Limestone Coast with the Mount Gambier Community Centre’s annual Christmas Cheer day resulting in 667 people receiving support, with $25,000 in shopping vouchers and over 120 sacks filled with toys shared amongst recipients.
A significant donation of $25,000 as part of the Mount Gambier Mayor’s Christmas Appeal underpinned the annual initiative, which also received support from local businesses, school, churches, charity partner Good360, other organisations and the Limestone Coast community.
Among those to receive support was local woman Amanda Burt, who regularly visits the Mount Gambier Community Centre to take part in the social groups and activities.
VIDEO: HEAR FROM AMANDA ABOUT THE IMPACT CHRISTMAS CHEER HAS MADE
It was Amanda’s third year receiving support through Christmas Cheer, supporting her to spread festive spirit throughout her family.
“The first year was a simple, little hamper, but the last two years ac.care has really gone beyond in giving us much more variety,” Amanda said.
“For me it has helped out so much. All the bits and pieces have been helping myself out to be able give to my big family,” she said.
“For the last three years I don’t know where I would have been without these guys so I’m really appreciative.”
ac.care homelessness and community services manager Trish Spark said country communities had once again rallied generously in support of people in need across the Riverland, Murraylands and Limestone Coast.
“Christmas can be a challenging time for families and people who are already struggling to meet their basic needs,” Trish said.
“Every contribution, big or small, helps to increase our impact and brings some joy to people at Christmas,” she said.
ac.care is grateful for the contributions made by our country communities to help us support people experiencing hardship. If you would like to learn more about how you can support ac.care, visit our donate page or contact us.
