Launceston Benevolent Society food for thought

Unfortunately this is a concern for many families heading into the festive period, with the extra pressures of gift-giving adding to everyday living expenses. 

This year The Examiner’s Empty Stocking Appeal is aiming to raise $60,000 by December 25.

The money will be shared among four local charities the St Vincent de Paul Society, the Launceston Benevolent Society, City Mission and the Salvation Army, all focused on helping those most at need.

Launceston Benevolent Society’s chief executive officer John Stuart said the organisation was visited by up to 12 families everyday – a number that remains constant throughout the year. 

He said the support of the Empty Stocking appeal plays a vital role in their ability to provide relief to people in need over the Christmas period. 

“Most of the money will go towards buying food vouchers and nappies,” he said. 

“It will assist with acquiring general goods that people really need.

“Being able to offer that to people just takes a bit of the pressure of them, especially when kids are involved.

“I don’t think people always realise what a big difference even the smallest donation can make.”

Offering emergency support, the Benevolent Society has been helping Tasmanians for 184 years and is one of Australia’s oldest charities. 

The society is also a volunteer-based organisation with around 40 volunteers contributing in excess of 100,000 hours of their own time each year. 

Relying heavily on community support, the Benevolent Society recently received a donation of $1000 worth of food from the Launceston Bass Lodge.  

Lodge member Percy Harris said the money was raised from a series of Bunning’s barbecues and he hoped it would go a long way to helping those most at need this Christmas. 

“We try to give back as much as we can,” he said.

“We thought why not use the money and go and get the products directly and give it to them.

“Every little bit helps and it might help someone put on something special for Christmas.”