Appeal director Peter Caligary is again asking Ballarat employers and employees to support the project.

“We’re asking all workers to donate just $1 in appreciation of having a job, and through the appeal these dollars will our many families suffering unemployment,” Mr Caligary said.

“Life for these families is really, really tough – $1 is a very small contribution to make and represents the cost of less than half a cup of coffee."

The Christmas in July Appeal targets support for welfare organisations Uniting Care, Anglicare, The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Society, which provide underprivileged families with cash for payment of bills, alongside food and blankets.

Mr Caligary said the response has been terrific this winter, but the cold conditions have put welfare agencies under “extreme pressure”

Funds were raised at Kryal Castle and the Ballarat Golf Club on Friday and Saturday, while a major source of financial relief will come from a business lunch and auction at Federation University in August.

Power FM and 3BA staff will join in the Donate a Dollar Day, with registrations made through 3BA on 5331 1333 or online at the http://www.3ba.com.au/ website.

The Christmas in July Appeal was launched on June 3 and runs into August.