The Examiner’s 109^th Empty Stocking Appeal has officially closed.

A staggering $90,281.41 was raised in a little over a month.

This total follows a successful Winter Relief Appeal in 2017, which raised about $60,000.

The generosity and goodwill of our community is inspiring and humbling.

The funds raised, from both appeals, supports the Northern branches of City Mission, St Vincent de Paul’s, the Benevolent Society and the Salvation Army.

All four charities have been experiencing an increased demand for support services and emergency relief.

The beauty in The Examiner’s appeals is we get to tell the stories behind the donations as well as the vital and hardwork the four charities do.

Last year we told stories of food vans, long-time volunteers, youth programs and emergency relief services.

We had trusts, foundations and organisations donate –  as they have done for many years.

There were junior sport associations who held fundraising matches. 

Children brought in pocket money and every spare dollar placed in the tins at our newsagents was gratefully received.

The common theme was the need to support our fellow community members.

The smallest donation can have a life-changing impact on someone in our community. 

Whether it be a $10 cash donation or a tin of soup or donating blankets.

Many of the donors had connections to people in the community who had once or currently were receiving support from these charities. They knew how important the support provided by the charities was to get people through a difficult moment in their life.

It’s important to remember that these charities don’t just offer emergency relief in the form of food products, but also employment and mental health support. 

Thank you to everyone who supported our appeals in 2017 and a sincere thanks to those on the frontline and volunteers who give back in an effort to improve our community.

We look forward to facilitating both appeals again in 2018 – including a special event for the 60^th anniversary of the Winter Relief Appeal.