Widespread job losses, charities under pressure, the winter chill approaching and months of uncertainty ahead: it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
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Yet when times are tough, the spirit of a community shines through more than ever.
As always, Denise Delphin at the Northern Suburbs Community Centre put a positive spin on the situation, saying there is a real "pay it forward" attitude emerging as kindness beget more kindness.
Since the coronavirus pandemic caused the greatest societal upheaval in generations, there have been many stories of Northern Tasmanians willing to assist wherever they can - whether by helping a neighbour in need, getting involved in charitable work or simply lending an ear to ensure everyone feels supported.
We're hoping that this community spirit can help to put much-needed funds in the coffers of our local charities during The Examiner's 2020 Winter Relief Appeal, which launches today.
The closure of op shops put a major dent in their revenue streams, while isolation requirements meant volunteer numbers were down. It forced charities to rethink how they could respond to the growing demand at a time when more and more were in need of support.
And this need is showing no sign of abating, at least in the short-term.
As restrictions start to lift, there's no guarantee jobs will instantly return. With many - particularly those on disability and aged pension payments - missing out on additional support from the government, their bills will continue mounting. And when all of our most disadvantaged have their additional income support removed, the pressure on our charities is expected to grow again.
But in our darkest hours, it's reassuring to know there are people out there willing to give their all to help others.
Andrew Palmer's Cha Cha Charity 24-hour dance event got us off to the best possible start, using positivity and creativity to prove just how giving we can be.
Let's hope it's the start of something great for the 2020 Appeal!
Where to find Winter Relief collection tins:
Kings Meadows Newsagency; Meadow Mews News; Prospect Market Place News; Norwood Newsagency; Classified Reception Office; Invermay Newsagency; Racecourse Cres News; Mowbray Market Place News; Brisbane St News and Lotto; Charles St Central Newsagency; Trevallyn Newsagency; Riverside News and Lotto; Legana News and Lotto; Freelands IGA and Lotto; Beaconsfield Newsagency; Longford Newsagency; Perth IGA and Newsagency; Cressy IGA and Newsagency; Hadspen News and Post; Westbury IGA and Post; Deloraine Newsagency; NewsXpress George Town; Newstead Newsagency.