More than $170,000 in cash and $95,000 in toys, food items and Christmas gifts were donated.

“I never lose sight of the fact that everything the appeal has been able to achieve has only been made possible through the amazing and ongoing generosity of the very caring Ballarat area community,” appeal director Peter Caligari said.

He said the appeal was vital in enabling Uniting Care, Anglicare, the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Society help families living on or below the poverty line.

“The appeal provides very valuable support to these families to ensure Christmas is an enjoyable time and not an occasion filled with sadness, disappointment and frustration.”