AS the winter chill sets in, hundreds of Ballarat families will struggle to keep warm as they choose between turning on the heater or putting dinner on the table.
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To help these families and others struggling to make ends meet, 3BA has launched its 14th Christmas in July Appeal for donations of cash, food and blankets, to go to the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul, Anglicare and Uniting Care.
St Vincent de Paul regional president Bernie Holloway said winter was a crucial time for the community’s most vulnerable.
“The demand (for assistance) just keeps increasing," he said.
"At the assistance centre, we get a third more people coming in every quarter. A hell of a lot of people can’t pay their bills at the moment."
.The Appeal will last for up to 10 weeks, and is aiming to collect $200,000 worth of cash and supplies.
“People are desperate like you would not believe."
- Peter Caligari
Peter Caligari has run the Christmas Appeal since 1980 and the Christmas in July Appeal since its inception in 2001.
Mr Caligari said the support from the community had been fantastic in the past, and he hoped it would continue.
“People are desperate like you would not believe,” he said.
Speaking at the launch at the 3BA studio on Thursday, representatives of the charities each said a cash donation would go furthest to help those in need.
“Without this appeal, we would not be able to operate in the second half of the year,” said Anglicare coordinator Pauline Prebble.
Ms Prebble said her colleagues in Melbourne were amazed at the level of support from the Ballarat community.
Anglicare Ballarat runs a four-day-a-week breakfast program, which welcomes people in need and those looking for some company, various other support services.
Ballarat Mayor Joshua Morris opened the Appeal’s account with the council’s customary donation of $500.
