It’s the 110th year of The Examiner’s Empty Stocking Appeal, which hopes to give those enduring hardships much needed support with the help of the community.

A milestone amount was donated last year, with over $90,000 raised from last year’s appeal.

Editor at The Examiner Courtney Greisbach believes last year sets a good benchmark for this year’s campaign.

“We’re asking people to dig deep in any way they can, no donation is too little or too much,” Greisbach said.

The Empty Stocking Appeal raises money for four local charities – Launceston City Mission, The Salvation Army, The Benevolent Society and St Vincent de Paul.

“We believe in what these charities do and we see tangible results,” Greisbach said.

“Every dollar will help someone in need.”

One of the campaigns key contributors is the Carols by Candlelight evening, held by the Rotary Club of Tamar Sunrise.

Last years carols raised $16,000 for the Empty Stocking Appeal.

Carols coordinator Danny Gibson hopes once again the community has a good time at the carols, while also supporting an important cause.

“Carols by Candlelight contributes a significant amount of funds to The Examiner’s Empty Stocking Appeal and those funds, being shared evenly though four Launceston charities, really benefit those doing it tough for Christmas time,” Mr Gibson said.

“I think the community get to come along, enjoy the spirit of Christmas, get to sing some fabulous Christmas songs and some carols, all at the same time knowing that their price coming through the gate – $5 per adult and $3 per child is going to others doing it tough at Christmas time in our local community.” 

The Examiner has set the goal for this year’s appeal at $80,000.

Through events such as the carols, Greisbach believes the appeal can exceed that target.

“We are so grateful that a community event like Carols by Candlelight also sees the value in this appeal,” she said.

“So lovely to see the community come together to events like carols, but also support local charity.”

Carols by Candlelight will be held on December 23 at City Park.

“People are turning to local charities for a helping hand and people are doing it tough in our community so here is an opportunity for us all to get behind the appeal,” Mr Gibson said.

“To be able to receive those funds and use those funds at this really busy time is so important.”

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