By Brendan Rees
Hampton Park Uniting Church is appealing to shoppers to dig deep and help raise $1.5 million this Christmas to improve the lives of thousands of Australians through their annual Christmas Appeal.
Target and UnitingCare Australia have launched their appeal in all Target stores and made it easy for people to contribute by simply purchasing an appeal bauble for $1 or giving an unwrapped gift at their local Target store.
Local Uniting co-ordinator and Hampton Park Uniting Church Rev Mat Harry said this year had been a really tough year for families facing issues of unemployment and increasing living costs.
“We really do rely on the generous people in our community to dip deep, show compassion and support our appeal this Christmas.”
He said a few dollars could help women and children fleeing domestic violence, people seeking emergency relief or children and families in desperate situations.
Managing director of Target Australia Guy Russo says the appeal supported those in our community who needed it most at a very difficult time of the year.
“The Target team are proud to be partnering with UnitingCare Australia again this year. This appeal helps such a vast range of families doing it tough in our community, and we feel privileged to be able to help by providing a place where Australians can give to others,” Mr Russo said.
The appeal raised more than $1.2 million last year and helped support more than 45,000 Australian families.
With 13 per cent of the Australian population living below the poverty line, this year’s organisers hope to reach more people who will struggle at Christmas without the generous support from all Australians.
Shoppers are encouraged to donate by purchasing a $1 appeal bauble at a Target checkout before the appeal closes on 24 December.
All proceeds will be donated to UnitingCare Australia to be distributed across the country to support the thousands of community services and programs delivered across the Uniting Network.
For more information visit http://www.unitingcarechristmasappeal.au/
