Dig Deep & Think Of Others

While Christmas is a joyous time for many, there are others in our community who struggle through the festive season.

Tablelands Regional Council Mayor Rod Marti believes Christmas is a great time to consider the less fortunate in our community.

‘Not everyone has money to spare, especially at Christmas time, and some just have trouble making ends meet, but with a small donation to the Mayor’s Community Christmas Appeal you can make a difference to people and families in need.

‘Drop cash or cheques into the donation tins at any of our customer service centres or deposit funds into the Tablelands Regional Council Community Christmas Appeal Gift Trust — BSB 084 512, Account Number 144 690 848 (put your name in the description).

‘Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

‘Get the family or workplace together to make a joint donation.

‘Donations will be used to provide food vouchers for use in local supermarkets to people in need in our community.

‘Last year 182 vouchers were distributed, valued at nearly $9000.

‘These will be distributed by emergency relief agencies — Better Together Community Support, St Vincent de Paul Society, Salvation Army, Ravenshoe Community Centre and Eacham Community Help Organisation (ECHO) Empowering Services.

‘You can also drop off new toys, gift cards and non-perishable food items to various organisations across the region.

‘New toys (not handmade) and gift cards for teenagers can be left under the Giving Tree at Atherton Big W or at the Salvation Army Family Store in Tolga.

‘Non-perishable food can be dropped at a TRC Customer Service Centre in Atherton, Herberton, Malanda or Ravenshoe, or at one of these community organisations:

• Better Together Community Centre
  16a Robert Street, Atherton
  8.30am–4.30pm Monday–Friday

• ECHO Empowering Services Neighbourhood Centre
  11–15 Eacham Place, Malanda
  9.00am–4.00pm Monday–Friday

• Ravenshoe Community Centre
  3 Bolton Street, Ravenshoe
  9.00am–3.00pm Monday–Friday

• St Vincent de Paul Society
  Railway Lane, Atherton
  8.30am–2.00pm Monday and Wednesday
• 72 Grigg Street, Ravenshoe
  9.00am–2.00pm Wednesday–Friday

• Salvation Army
  89 Kennedy Highway, Tolga.
  9.00am–2.45pm Monday–Friday
• 47 Grace Street, Herberton
  9.00am–2.00pm Monday–Friday.

‘A simple gesture can make all the difference to a struggling person or family,’ said Mayor Marti.