Editor Courtney Greisbach said it was a privilege to partner with four Launceston charities, the St Vincent de Paul Society, the Launceston Benevolent Society, the Salvation Army and the Launceston City Mission.

“After 59 years there is still a demand and need in our community for the services provided by the organisations that the Winter Relief Appeal supports,” she said.

“Every year we are surprised and grateful for the community’s support and generosity. The kindness displayed by those who give, whether it be $2 or $200, restores faith particularly given recent tragedies around the world.”

Knowing your community cares also made a huge difference to people doing it tough said Catherine Abram from the Salvation Army.

“It is not just the government doing something but the Launceston community getting behind people who are in need and knowing they are not forgotten,” she said.

The Launceston Benevolent Society's John Stuart said charities were feeling the pressure more than ever, with increased demand even when compared to statistics from last winter.

“The appeal puts a lot of worry away from us,” he said.

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Northern Tasmania is expected to spend in excess of $90,000 from society funds and in-kind donations over the colder months. 

This is due to calls for assistance, such as rental and utility payments, increasing as many families do not have disposable income to spend on heating.

Across the North, from January 1 to now, the society assisted 1021 adults and 952 children: an increase of 13.39 per cent compared to the same period for 2016.

Demand for City Mission services is up by 42 per cent from winter 2016.

City Mission business manager John Clements said while some of that was due to publicity from the recent Mission Possible campaign, it could not account for all of the calls for assistance.

The top five requests for help from City Mission, other than food items, are for food vouchers, power, clothing, furniture and fuel. 

Sixty per cent of services goes to those aged 26 to 45.

There are many ways you and fellow members of the Launceston community can support The Examiner’s 59th Winter Relief Appeal.

IN PERSON: Donations to can be made at the newspaper's Launceston, Hobart and Devonport offices and at businesses displaying a Winter Relief Appeal tin.

SNAIL MAIL: You can also get in touch by putting something in the post and sending it to The Examiner, 113 Cimitiere Street, Launceston, 7250.

WANT A TIN? If you own or manage a business, are a school or community organisation and would be willing to host a collection tin give us a call on 0417 402 618.

HAVING AN EVENT? We would also love to hear from you if you are holding an event to fundraise for the appeal. Let us know and we can do our best to come along, take some photos and write a story. Again phone 0417 402 618 or contact mail@examiner.com.au

The appeal will run from June 18 until August 31.