The Empty Stocking Appeal raises much-needed funds for four Launceston charities – The Benevolent Society, The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul, and the Launceston City Mission.

This year, the goal was to raise $80,000 yet community support and generosity brought the total to $88,175.75.

The Examiner editor Courtney Greisbach said the appeal was an opportunity for people to give where they live.

“The community spirit is often demonstrated in many stories we publish and the Empty Stocking Appeal is no exception,” Greisbach said.

“When you combine this appeal with our twin appeal, Winter Relief, Northern Tasmanians have raised more than $166,000 in 2018. Every dollar will stay in our community and help four local charities continue their important work.”

Launceston Benevolent Society chief executive John Stuart said the funds raised “would go a long way” to help the four organisations.

“It’s a wonderful result for the Launceston community to come up with in excess of $88,000,” he said.

Salvation Army ministry assistant Kelly Brown said it was a fantastic result.

“It can help with the extra pressure parents face with expenses going back to school as well,” she said.

“It’s a good backup for them as well, to help too.

St Vincent de Paul Tasmania chief executive Lara Alexander said it was a really significant effort.

“It’s really good to see as well how much the community has rallied behind each of the charities,” she said.

“Adding to that as well is that people have just come off a very stressful time of the year, which is Christmas. Combined with going back to school, these funds will give them that extra help.

“It’s just a testament to the Tasmanian community, and the Launceston community, and how well they place themselves behind the charities and how much they support us.

“We’re really grateful for that.”

Launceston City Mission chief executive Stephen Brown said it was amazing seeing the The Examiner and the Launceston community work together to get such a great result.

“We want to thank The Examiner for the continuing support, and the fact that over so many years it’s raised hundreds of thousands of dollars,” he said.

“I just think it’s great that the paper can work with the community to get the best results for this region.”