There was also the issue of the face of poverty changing. Data showed more women were fleeing domestic violence situations given the increase in support and removal of the stigma around mental health and violence.

Drugs and gambling were also cited as a reason to support the appeal, and therefore the four local charities, to help those in our community battling addictions.

This year, we launched the campaign in the middle of a global pandemic.

Businesses forced to close. Tasmanians who have never been jobless were suddenly waiting in Centrelink queues.

We set a goal of $70,000 for the appeal. To put this into context, back in 1977 (19 years into our appeal) the target was $6000. This figure would be about $35,000 today.

In 2019 we had a goal of $75,000. We raised $71,000.

When we set the goal of $70,000, we thought it was a stretch goal and one we didn't envisage fulfilling. It's the one time you can be proud to be wrong.

By the halfway mark we had already met our goal. Many of the donations came through with no name attached. People were giving to help, not for the notoriety.

We took pleasure in reporting on donations that the community helped to deliver - such as the efforts of service and sporting clubs to fundraise and donate proceeds to the appeal.

The appeal benefited from some unique fundraising events, such as the Cha Cha for Charity. Even our loyal newsagents were handing over full collection tins numerous times over the past three months.

The acts of generosity are the beauty of our appeal. Thousands of people would have made a difference by dropping in 50 cents or a gold coin.

To have raised $120,000, knowing every dollar will stay here in Northern Tasmania, delivers a sense of gratitude and hope.

It's the tagline of 2020, but it's true: we're all in this together.