Former Wills owner Phil Frith donates $5000 to Winter Relief Appeal

Mr Frith, who worked at and eventually owned Wills from the late 1950s to early 2000s, said he had an obligation to give after receiving so much community support.

“I had a lot of support from local people, and I am now retired, so hopefully I can give a littler bit back to the people of Launceston because it’s a great place,” he said.

He was “very fortunate” to have enjoyed a good life in Northern Tasmania and firmly believes in supporting local charities.

“There is so much demand from other charities outside Tasmania and Australia and there are so many thousands to donate to but I think it’s important to donate to your local community,” Mr Frith said. 

“People can donate to other charities and you don’t know what percentage of your donation is actually going to the charities because so much of it is caught up in the costs involved, whereas what’s being donated here is going straight to the right people that need it.”

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Having owned a business in the city’s centre Mr Frith said he had felt connected to the community all his life.

“I went to the grammar school, in those days you left at the age of sixteen, and I started in retailing with my uncle,” he said. 

“I eventually took it over and ran it through all the various stages of technology from vinyl records to cassettes to videos and video libraries and mobile phones. As new stuff came along I took it on and it went from there.”

Throughout his career he felt it was important to support organisations which help people dealing with mental health issues and drug addictions, as well as helping people who might need some extra food or clothing.

This year the Winter Relief Appeal has raised $47,507 to support four charity partners; City Mission, the St Vincent de Paul Society, the Salvation Army and the Launceston Benevolent Society.

The campaign runs until August 31.

There are a number of ways to donate including in person at The Examiner, via post or via bank transfer.