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Samaritans Show Appreciation to Community for Support of Christmas Appeal
Samaritans has been overwhelmed with the support of the local community, many of whom faced their own difficulties and hardships this year following the June storms in 2007.
“With the generosity of the community, our latest Appeal raised more than $120,000 and we were able to relieve some of the pressures for those who were struggling over the Christmas and New Year period”, said Samaritans CEO, Mr Cec Shevels.
“We are very mindful of the fact that many people who were perhaps facing their own difficult circumstances, still found the compassion to reach out to those who may have been suffering just that little bit more; for this we are especially pleased to have raised such a tremendous amount for the 2007/2008 appeal,” he said.
Also enjoying much success this year was the Samaritans’ Christmas Gift Warehouse at the Churchill’s Carpet store in Newcastle.
Samaritans assisted 150 local families, reaching approximately 525 children across the region through Samaritans Emergency Relief Centre vouchers and food hampers and the inaugural Samaritans Churchill’s Christmas Gift Warehouse. Donations also helped 150 Samaritans Youth Services clients and 50 Singleton Christmas Lunch guests, making Christmas a little brighter for many local families.
Samaritans reiterate that although Christmas may be over and the New Year is in full swing, the demands on Samaritans for emergency assistance are still great and will continue to be for the next few months.
“We need more non-perishable food donated to ER, as even though the holiday period has ended, it is still tough for many single fathers, young mothers and families to keep paying the bills and put food on the table”, said Mr Shevels.
Samaritans Emergency Relief Services are still in desperate need of cash donations and non-perishable food items such as pasta and pasta sauces, rice, cereal, long-life milk, tea and coffee, tinned spaghetti and baked beans, and tinned meals such as braised steak and vegetables for example.
During the Christmas period, Samaritans Emergency Relief staff noticed a higher number of single dads seeking additional support.
Many fathers acknowledged that while they were enjoying having the kids for a few weeks during the school holidays, the impact of increasing living costs and additional expenses make it difficult to keep putting food on the table for the children.
Samaritans Area Coordinator of Community Services, Helen Fielder-Gill, says local dads need extra support during this time.
“We acknowledge how hard it is over Christmas and that fathers are doing a fantastic job despite the circumstances. As a community, we need to look after the people that are trying to do the right thing but finding it difficult to keep afloat financially”, said Ms Fielder-Gill.
Samaritans staff recognise those living on low incomes often find it difficult to make ends meet. It can be very stressful during the school holidays and at Christmas time for these parents to meet the expectations of their children and the community.
All funds raised by the organisation are used within the local community to support those less fortunate.
There are many ways for you to support Samaritans. Follow this link to find out how.
