MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Urgent call for support in the lead up to Christmas
Hobart City Mission have put out an urgent call for financial donations, with their fundraising Christmas Appeal currently only sitting at 33% of what is required to offer the support to those in Southern Tasmania.
“I urge the wider Hobart community to imagine having the extra emotional and financial stress of Christmas when you are already living day to day, most likely under the poverty line. Imagine choosing between food, visiting family or presents,” says Hobart City Mission CEO, John Stubley.
Hobart City Mission’s Christmas Appeal raises funds for their Christmas Assistance Program, where vouchers, food hampers and toys are provided to individuals and families who are doing it tough in the lead up to Christmas. The appeal also raises funds to support them post-Christmas when the need is still there.
“Before even considering the festivities of Christmas day, there are so many more financially stressful tasks and expectations that parents and individuals need to juggle. These include things often taken for granted, such as the extra cost of transport visiting families, the un-expected family members who are not privy to the financial pain behind closed doors, social pressures from friends, work colleagues and family in the lead up to Christmas, or the juggling of work commitments and keeping the kids busy and active during school holidays before and after Christmas,” admits John.
Next Wednesday, the 19th of December 447 families will be coming to Hobart City Mission’s Christmas Distribution to collect their much needed vouchers, toys and food hampers, but this is only possible through donations from the community.
“We know that Christmas is increasingly a hard time for everyone, which is reflected in an increase of families and individuals who are coming to us for help this Christmas,” says John.
“I urge you, if you are in a position to do so, please give generously. I promise it will be the best gift you can give this Christmas.”
Donations will ensure that the 783 children will be waking up on December 25th with the typical joys of Christmas, and without the thought that Santa has forgotten them.
Financial donations can be made online at www.hobartcitymission.org.au/brightenchristmas, over the phone by calling 6215 4200 during business hours, or in person at Hobart City Mission’s Hobart or Moonah Offices.