Tasmanians spreading Christmas cheer

The Minister for Community Services, Julie Collins, helped wrap gifts and hand out food and toys today at the Salvation Army in Clarence, Tasmania as part of its Christmas Cheer appeal.

This year, as always, the Salvation Army will open its doors to provide food and presents to thousands of local families.

Ms Collins thanked all Tasmanians for giving so generously to those in need.

“It is wonderful to see how many donations have been made and how the Tasmanian community has joined the Christmas spirit of giving,” Ms Collins said.

“Tasmanians have so far donated more than 2,500 gifts and around $18,000 for the Christmas Cheer appeal.

“It’s easy to forget during the festive season that many Australian families struggle not just to buy presents but also to cover essentials like food and rent.

“The Christmas Cheer appeal will help brighten the day for children and their families who are doing it tough this time of year.

“It will give children toys to unwrap on Christmas Day and parents a festive meal to share with their family.”

Ms Collins said the Australian Government greatly valued the work of the Salvation Army.

“The Australian Government provided $1.75 million to The Salvation Army in Tasmania this financial year to fund a range of services under the Financial Management and Family Support programs,” Ms Collins said.

“This funding assists the Salvation Army Doorways Clarence Centre run programs that help build stronger and more resilient families and shift people out of poverty through education, training, volunteering and employment.

“I was really pleased to hear that some Centre volunteers and employees were once former clients – showing the positive impact the service can have on individuals.”

More information on the Christmas Cheer Appeal is available at http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/ or any Salvation Army Centre.