For some, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. But for others, it can be a time of anguish. Now in its 111th year, The Examiner's Empty Stocking Appeal aims to help those most in need - but we need your help. Supporting Northern Tasmanian charities - Launceston City Mission, The Salvation Army, The Benevolent Society and St Vincent de Paul - last year's appeal raised more than $88,000. This year, The Examiner has set the target to raise $90,000. Acting editor Corey Martin said it would take a community effort. "Every year the community gets behind the Empty Stocking Appeal to help ensure everyone is given the opportunity to enjoy Christmas," he said. "We know this year will be no different." RELATED: Positive Impressions: Scott Gelston uses 1964 Rolleiflex to capture life on film With all money raised staying in the community, Launceston Benevolent Society chairman Don Jones said Christmas was the perfect time of year to help others. "Sadly, we have a growing number of people who are vulnerable in our community," he said. "This should be a time we think about helping others." City Mission business and strategy manager John Clements said the appeal offered the opportunity to make an immediate difference. "The beauty about these charities is they are all local," he said. "Anything that is given or donated through the appeal, will go straight to the individuals in our community." This Christmas, St Vincent de Paul is preparing to send out more than 130 hampers to those in need. Tasmanian president Mark Gaetani said it was one of their busiest times of the year. "Christmas is a very challenging time for many in the community," he said. "We look forward to this time of year so we can react to community needs and provide those who are a little less fortunate, with the basics to get them through." Salvation Army northern regional manager Anita Reeve said it was important that everyone had the opportunity to celebrate Christmas, no matter their circumstances. "Some people assume because they don't have a lot of money, they shouldn't be celebrating Christmas," she said. "But it's that one time when they can feel like a normal family. We get that opportunity through this appeal to support families through that time." One of the appeal's key contributors is Carols by Candlelight, hosted by the Rotary Club of Tamar Sunrise. Since 2013, proceeds from the carols have contributed more than $88,000. The event will return to City Park on December 22. Carols co-ordinator Danny Gibson said it was shaping up to be another terrific event. "All funds, as per usual, will support the Empty Stocking Appeal. It's a cause we are more than proud to support," he said.
SUPPORT: Launceston Benevolent Society's Don Jones, City Mission's John Clements, St Vincent de Paul's Mark Gaetani, Salvation Army's Kevin Lumb and Anita Reeve, with Carols by Candlelight's Danny Gibson. Picture: Scott Gelston
For some, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. But for others, it can be a time of anguish.
Now in its 111th year, The Examiner's Empty Stocking Appeal aims to help those most in need - but we need your help.
Supporting Northern Tasmanian charities - Launceston City Mission, The Salvation Army, The Benevolent Society and St Vincent de Paul - last year's appeal raised more than $88,000.
This year, The Examiner has set the target to raise $90,000. Acting editor Corey Martin said it would take a community effort.
"Every year the community gets behind the Empty Stocking Appeal to help ensure everyone is given the opportunity to enjoy Christmas," he said.
With all money raised staying in the community, Launceston Benevolent Society chairman Don Jones said Christmas was the perfect time of year to help others.
"Sadly, we have a growing number of people who are vulnerable in our community," he said. "This should be a time we think about helping others."
City Mission business and strategy manager John Clements said the appeal offered the opportunity to make an immediate difference.
"The beauty about these charities is they are all local," he said.
"Anything that is given or donated through the appeal, will go straight to the individuals in our community."
GOAL: The fundraising target for this year's Empty Stocking Appeal has been set at $90,000.
This Christmas, St Vincent de Paul is preparing to send out more than 130 hampers to those in need. Tasmanian president Mark Gaetani said it was one of their busiest times of the year.
"Christmas is a very challenging time for many in the community," he said.
"We look forward to this time of year so we can react to community needs and provide those who are a little less fortunate, with the basics to get them through."
Salvation Army northern regional manager Anita Reeve said it was important that everyone had the opportunity to celebrate Christmas, no matter their circumstances.
"Some people assume because they don't have a lot of money, they shouldn't be celebrating Christmas," she said.
"But it's that one time when they can feel like a normal family. We get that opportunity through this appeal to support families through that time."
One of the appeal's key contributors is Carols by Candlelight, hosted by the Rotary Club of Tamar Sunrise.
Since 2013, proceeds from the carols have contributed more than $88,000.
The event will return to City Park on December 22. Carols co-ordinator Danny Gibson said it was shaping up to be another terrific event.
"All funds, as per usual, will support theEmpty Stocking Appeal. It's a cause we are more than proud to support," he said.
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