On June 1, we set a $75,000 target for our annual Winter Relief Appeal that raises needed funds for four partner charities that assist the region's most vulnerable.

The Salvation Army, Launceston Benevolent Society, St Vincent de Paul Society and Launceston City Mission do invaluable work guiding people through difficult periods in their lives.

However, providing the homeless with a bed or hearty meal, families with financial support to pay bills, women with a shelter to escape domestic violence, jobseekers with the hope of re-employment and many more services don't come cheap.

That's why for the past 63 years The Examiner has led the effort to give people something to smile about.

Last year was our most successful campaign yet with $119,334 handed over during the gripes of a global pandemic.

Every winter the appeal receives big and small donations from our many newsagent collection points, community groups, school children, estates, corporate bodies and anonymous individuals just looking to make a difference.

And every cent counts.

The Examiner will publish a daily story and running tally of how this year's appeal is tracking leading into August 31 to encourage people to continue donating.

If each person in greater Launceston donated one dollar to the campaign over the next fortnight, our target would be eclipsed with amazing outcomes to follow.

And while the Winter Relief Appeal cannot solve all issues many people face, it can help services provide emergency relief and continue the long-term programs to help people overcome the issues that lead to seeking assistance.

Northern Tasmanians have a proud history of helping those less fortunate and together we can continue to make a positive difference in people's lives.