This year’s Ballarat Winter Appeal has launched early, as more people than ever experience financial hardship.
The Ballarat Foundation are calling on locals to donate non-perishable food, warm clothing and blankets to those facing the choice between heating their home and putting food on the table.
Items raised will be distributed to Anglicare, the Salvo’s, Uniting Ballarat and Vinnies.
The foundation’s CEO Andrew Eales says there’s a lot of people doing it tough at the moment.
“We find when we come into winter, that need, particularly around housing and food, is emphasized and not in a positive way,” he said.
“The Ballarat Winter Appeal is a really great vehicle for the community to get behind and help out those that are in need at this time of year.”
Anglicare Victoria’s Kim Boyd says they’re seeing more people making the choice between paying bills and buying food.
She is thanking people ahead of time, because she knows how generous the Ballarat community is.
“We need your assistance more than ever this year. We are seeing people we’ve never seen before coming in for food support, so helping them is vital,” she said.
To find out how you can donate, click here.
