The more things change, the more they stay the same and that is certainly the case with the 3BA Christmas Appeal.
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Despite the global pandemic, the radio station's commitment to the charitable cause has not wavered. In fact, the initiative, in its fifth decade, is more important than ever, according to the station's general manager, John Fitzgibbon.
"We saw last year what was basically a large rock being thrown in the pond with COVID," Mr Fitzgibbon said. "What we're seeing this year is the ripples from that rock getting bigger and bigger."
Mr Fitzgibbon is aware certain families have been dramatically impacted by the crisis.
"As we open up, we're starting to understand how families are affected," he said. "What we saw during the pandemic was households of up to 12 people. Mum and dad would be later in life; the kids were returning home with their own kids to save on expenses. These large households are needing assistance."
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Due to COVID-19, the requirement for benevolence is unprecedented, but the method of contribution requires modification.
"(Demand for help) is going to be stronger," Mr Fitzgibbon said. "(However) we're not able to receive goods here at the station. What we ask, if people have toys or non-perishable food they wish to donate, they take it directly to the Salvation Army in Eureka Street. They will then distribute that."
Even though there have been developments associated with the virus, the appeal's importance remains.
"It's significant to the community," Mr Fitzgibbon said. "This is the forty-second appeal that provides, to some very needy families, toys and something nice to eat on Christmas Day. Those families are our colleagues at work, they're our friends, they're our family."
Residents remains committed to the cause.
"What we have found is the desire of the Ballarat community to help our own has been extraordinary," Mr Fitzgibbon said. "We haven't seen a massive drop-off in support which has been pleasing. The donations of goods have decreased, but as far as cash donations, they've continued to be strong. We thank the community because we know there are people making donations who are doing it tough."
Mr Fitzgibbon is keen to point out donations can occur immediately.
"The work needs to be done now," he said. "Whilst the appeal continues into December, we need to get the charities everything they need by late November. Cash gives greater flexibility for the agencies."
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