PEOPLE across Ballarat are urged to dig up their dollar coins to help make a valuable community difference.
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The 3BA and PowerFM on-air teams will be out collecting for the Donate A Dollar Day on Thursday as part of the annual 3BA Christmas in July Appeal.
Appeal director Peter Caligari said the ask is for less than half the cost of a cup of coffee, and yet together, funds raised could make a big impact in helping local welfare agencies to support Ballarat families in need.
Uniting Ballarat crisis support coordinator Naomi Bailey said the impact of rising energy costs was particularly noticeable this winter with an even greater demand for help in the community.
“We’re starting to see people in the middle-income bracket more, it’s not all support for low-income. It might be one parent working and one staying home with the kids, but people are struggling now with winter bills coming in and the amount of utility bills,” Ms Bailey said.
“They’re cold and struggling...We all knew there would be an impact with rising utility costs on the community.”
Ms Bailey said a lot of people visiting Uniting Ballarat would forgo putting their heating on in a bid to save costs. But this, in turn, meant people tended to get sicker quicker and need more time off work, which could impact on pay.
Every dollar raised in Donate a Dollar Day supports Uniting Ballarat, Anglicare, the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Society in Ballarat.
Ms Bailey said the extra help was paramount for each agency to maintain ongoing food, clothing and financial support.
PowerFM will be on-air from Stockland Wendouree on Thursday to encourage shoppers to chip in $1 to the appeal.
Mr Caligari said the campaign was an easy way for everyone in Ballarat to show their support for families in need, especially with the on-air team available to collect from businesses who made a dollar drive among employees.
“It’s as easy as that,” Mr Caligari said. “Those contributing a dollar will know their donation will buy a can of soup, a loaf of bread and other food items for families who are cold and struggling to put food on their tables.”
People can call in to 3BA/PowerFM offices in Lydiard Street to donate, or phone the 3BA office on 5331 1333 to organise a business collection on Thursday.
