The appeal aims to raise money to help those within our community who are most in need this Christmas season.

Over the years, the appeal has raised more than $2 million, which flows through to four key Launceston-based charities: the Launceston Benevolent Society, Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul, and City Mission.

These charities then use the funds to do what they do best: help.

Christmas is meant to be one of the best times of the year.

At its core, it is about celebrating and appreciating what we have, and about being with family. Sadly, some people aren’t able to do this. 

Christmas for some is a period of stress; a time when shortfalls or withouts are more evident.

For these people, there is nowhere to escape. Festive cheer leers from shop fronts and blasts from television ads.

The question at hand is not “what present will I buy my child?”, it’s “can I afford to buy a present for my child, plus afford rent, bills, and food?”.

Through the Empty Stocking Appeal, the Launceston community can help to dissolve these questions.

Last year, the appeal helped City Mission help 340 of its clients to have Christmases.

It allowed the Benevolent Society to hand out gift vouchers and supplies.

St Vincent de Paul was able to support the needy in the community into January, when post-Christmas bill stress is just as prominent.

And the Salvation Army was able to do work that “impacts people’s lives”.

This year, The Examiner invites the greater Launceston community to take on a challenge: let’s raise $60,000 in the 30 days until Christmas Eve. This figure will allow our four charities to make a difference to so many lives.

As a community, it’s up to each individual to make sure that no one is left behind, goes without, or goes hungry.

Hard times come as easily as good ones, and we never know if next season it will be us looking for a hand up.

It’s important to give while you have the capacity to, not just for karmic points, but because it’s the right thing to do.

Christmas is the season of giving, of hope, and of spirit, and together, we can bring that to everyone in the community.