There are some members of the Northern Tasmanian community who survive on just $7 a day, and when Christmas arrives it can be a time of heartbreak instead of celebration. That is when Launceston’s charities step in, supported by The Examiner’s Empty Stocking Appeal.
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With 13 sleeps left until the big day, the city’s main four charities are encouraging a final push in donations.
The Benevolent Society, The City Mission, St Vincent de Paul, and The Salvation Army are all benefactors of the Empty Stocking Appeal 2016, which has been boosted by its biggest donation to date. The Booth Charitable Trust donated $12,000 to the appeal, bringing the total raised to more than $37,400.
“The late Mrs Booth was a student of Cheltenham Ladies College in England in the early 1930s [and] the school encouraged students to provide services to those in need in the nearby area,” trustee Jill Dearing said.
“Mrs Booth was recognised as a valuable contributor in the area and it would be this early exposure to charitable deeds that gave her a strong philanthropic interest which she carried on throughout her life ultimately resulting in the Booth Charitable Trust being formed after her death. The Trust has given over $125,000 to The Examiner Empty Stocking Appeal in the last 15 years making a significant difference to the Launceston community.”
City Misson’s John Clements said at this time of year there was significant pressure on local charities.
“Last month for example City Mission gave to clients twice what its budgeted amount was, which puts enormous pressure on reserves and enormous pressure on our social enterprises to deliver support and we want to keep it going, so long-term and significant donors are very important to those outcomes,” he said.
The Launceston Benevolent Society's John Stuart said every dollar counts during the festive season.
“I find this time of the year you get people who want to give their kids a good time … so we can give that little bit extra,” he said.
The Salvation Army's Anita Reeve said for many Christmas was a sad time because they can not provide for themselves or their loved ones. “[A donation] is very significant because it enables us to do the work on the ground that each organisation needs to do and it impacts people’s lives.”