``THE need for winter relief was always present and it appeared the situation this winter was going to be difficult for many . . .''
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With these words the secretary of the Launceston Benevolent Society, Mr S. S. Emms, welcomed the launch of The Examiner's new public appeal in April 1958.
More than 50 years later, the same observations could well be made.
Up to 1958 surplus funds from The Examiner's annual Empty Stocking Appeal were used to help needy Launcestonians during winter.
The Empty Stocking Appeal was launched in December 1908 and remains as Australia's longest-running charity appeal.
Clothing, food and firewood was bought to help those struggling with living costs in winter.
In the 1957 the Junior Chamber of Commerce decided to run a winter relief appeal in association with The Examiner to increase awareness of the plight of the needy and raise more money.
The first winter relief appeal raised 450.
In 1958, The Examiner took over responsibility for running the appeal and on today's values it has provided more than $2 million for Launceston's needy.
Over the past few years the appeal has regularly raised about $50,000.
All the money goes to four local charities - the City Mission, Launceston Benevolent Society, St Vincent de Paul Society and the Salvation Army.
Over the 53 years of the appeal there have been thousands of contributors from school children to millionaires, social and sports clubs, pubs and The Examiner Winter Relief tins that are distributed to many businesses in Launceston.
Each winter community generosity helps to make everyday life that little bit easier for those who require help in dealing with winter.