Think of others this Festive Season

While Christmas is a joyous time for many, there are others in our community who struggle through the festive season.

Tablelands Regional Council Mayor Rod Marti believes Christmas is a great time to consider the less fortunate in our community.

‘Not everyone has money to spare, especially at Christmas time, and some just have trouble making ends meet, but with a donation to the Mayor’s Community Christmas Appeal you can make a difference to people and families in need.

‘Drop cash into the donation tins at any of our customer service centres or deposit funds into the Tablelands Regional Council Community Christmas Appeal Gift Trust — BSB 084 512, Account Number 144 690 848 (put your name in the description).

‘Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

Why not get your family or workplace together to make a joint donation?

‘Donations will be used to provide food vouchers for use in local supermarkets to people in need in our community.

‘These will be distributed by emergency relief agencies — Better Together Community Centre, ECHO Empowering Services Neighbourhood Centre, Ravenshoe Community Centre, St Vincent de Paul Society (Atherton and Ravenshoe) and Salvation Army.

‘Last year 164 vouchers were distributed, valued at more than $10,000.

‘Non-perishable food and Christmas goodies like bonbons and decorations can be dropped at the TRC customer service centres and libraries in Atherton, Herberton, Malanda and Ravenshoe, and at these community organisations:

Better Together Community Centre
16a Robert Street, Atherton
8.30am–4.30pm Monday–Friday

ECHO Empowering Services Neighbourhood Centre
11–15 Eacham Place, Malanda
9.00am–4.00pm Monday–Thursday
9.00am–12.00noon Friday

Ravenshoe Community Centre
3 Bolton Street, Ravenshoe
8.30am–3.00pm Monday–Friday

St Vincent de Paul Society
Railway Lane, Atherton
8.30am–2.00pm Monday and Wednesday

72 Grigg Street, Ravenshoe
9.00am–2.00pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Salvation Army
89 Kennedy Highway, Tolga.
9.00am–2.45pm Monday–Friday.

‘New toys (not handmade) and gift cards for teenagers can be left under the Giving Tree at Atherton Big W and at the Salvation Army Family Store in Tolga.

‘A simple gesture can make all the difference to a struggling person or family,’ said Mayor Marti.