Mr Moneghetti is urging people to give what they could so the city’s most needy could enjoy the festive season. He said gifts and meals with family and friends could be easy to take for granted. Giving in the appeal, he said, helped to ensure Christmas was a little brighter for others who were less fortunate.

“Sometimes you want things to grow, but not in this instance,” Mr Moneghetti said. “This is a way you can make Christmas a more joyous occasion for those when it otherwise might not be.”

The 3BA Christmas Appeal has been running for almost 40 years and has raised several million dollars in goods and cash.

The appeal supports almost 4,500 Ballarat families via welfare agencies Uniting Ballarat, Anglicare, St Vincent de Paul Society and the Salvation Army each year. Agencies reported a 10 to 15 per cent rise in need for help in Ballarat last Christmas. 

Registrations for food hamper and toys assistance this Christmas also opened with the four agencies on Thursday.

Mr Moneghetti said cash donations were handy in giving the agencies the flexibility for what was needed most.

Donations can be made at 3BA’s Lydiard Street office. For queries, phone 3BA on 5331 1333.

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