3BA Christmas Appeal 2020: final call to boost community welfare

The 3BA Christmas Appeal remains collecting donations from across the community for frontline welfare charities.

Appeals ambassador Peter Caligari said organisers had been pleasantly surprised with the community's response in what had been such a tough year financially for so many.

Cash donations are vital in the three days before Christmas, to help best fill where most needed and this included ensuring a spread of gifts available across age groups.

Toyworld in Howitt Street remains the only place accepting toys for the appeal under pandemic restrictions.

Mr Caligari said there had been an amazing out pouring of kindness in the store.

"The generosity of people in the Ballarat area means many, many families will now have an enjoyable Christmas and that's fantastic," Mr Caligari said.

Coles Wendouree delivered trolley loads full of food and supplies to the appeal on Monday with Coles stores across Ballarat - including Peel Street, Sebastopol and Bakery Hill - adding in their customers' donations.

The collection featured cash donations turned into Coles gift cards for families.

"To have food items so close to Christmas is a wonderful donation," Mr Caligari said. "We're grateful to the many customers, with a lot of families prepared to show their support."

IN OTHER NEWS

Welfare agencies have been facing unprecedented demand for help this year amid the pandemic, following on from a tough winter. The 3BA Winter Appeal, teaming with City of Ballarat's feed appeal, helped agencies with food and essentials for people struggling most during the pandemic.

The 3BA Christmas Appeal supports frontline work in Ballarat via Uniting Ballarat, Anglicare, Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul. Every cent raised goes directly to the appeal.

For those seeking to donate, cash transfers can be made to Christmas Appeal Trust at National Australia Bank: BSB 083-526; account number 635463252.