Every year, with the support of the local community, Hobart City Mission runs the Christmas Assistance Program to help those who are doing it tough in the lead up to Christmas.
2020 has been particularly challenging for many in our community. The impact that COVID-19 has had amongst the most vulnerable has created widespread uncertainty. Many people are unsure about employment and accommodation in the post COVID-19 economic environment.
In 2019 our Christmas Assistance Program helped over 450 families, and saw over 700 children receive gifts! Help through HCM’s Christmas Assistance Program included providing these families with food vouchers, toys, hampers and gifts.
Unbelievably, it’s time again for us to start thinking about Christmas – so keep a look out for your Christmas Appeal letter arriving in your mail box early November.
Here are just some comments from a few of the many people that were assisted last year:
“Thank you very much for the help towards Christmas. I attended the Christmas appeal at the Tasmanian Hockey Centre and the setup was great. Really appreciate the help. Thank you!”– Lisa
“The atmosphere and companionship on the day was amazing” – Mary*
“I just wanted to say thank you so much for the hamper, gifts and vouchers. I am a single mum of 3, I’ve been studying full time for 3 years and about to finish the Diploma of Community services. It has been a real struggle but I am achieving my goals and being a role model for my children to show that you can strive against adversity and poverty. The generosity of the food vouchers blew me away” – Jane*
“The Christmas Assistance Program really helped me with my budget at this time of year. Thank you!” – James*
“It was a good space and there was plenty of time for me to select gifts for my children” – Laura*
*names changed for privacy reasons