St Lukes contributes $10,000 to Launceston City Mission appeal
As demand soars for support services, two Tasmanian organisations are calling on the community to help spread some Christmas cheer for those most in need.
Launceston City Mission and not-for-profit health insurer St Lukes are joining forces on a Christmas donation drive, with a 10-foot tree installed at the Launceston wellness hub.
Members of the community are encouraged to leave an unwrapped new toy under the tree from now until the end-of-business on Thursday 5th December. Toys, non-perishable food and financial donations can also be given directly at City Mission’s Launceston office until 5pm that day.
Launceston City Mission CEO Jo Fearman said with one in six children living below the poverty line, too many families were being forced to decide between buying food or paying bills – let alone gifts.
“When disposable income is inadequate, households are forced into a terrible choice to prioritise one essential over another – fuel or rent, rent or power, power or health care,” Ms Fearman said.
“At this time of year, thinking about Christmas gifts for children is difficult because it could mean other essential bills won’t get paid.
“If we can help provide gifts for children, through the wonderful support of St Lukes, it helps take the pressure off families who are doing it tough.”
In 2023-24 City Mission Launceston has provided more than 21,000 meals to members of the community in need, impacted more than 10,000 lives across Northern Tasmania and provided more than 14,600 safe sleeps for those sleeping rough.
Recognising this impact and the power of community connection, CEO Paul Lupo said St Lukes was delighted to support City Mission’s Christmas donation drive with a gift of its own – a $10,000 donation to the appeal.
“Every child deserves to wake up on Christmas Day with a present of their own, but we know many Tasmanian families will be doing it tough this time of year. That’s why we are encouraging the community to rally behind those most in need, and to give what they can,” Mr Lupo said.
“Our wellness hub is designed to bring people together, and we are very happy to provide an easy-to-access central location for people to drop in with their gifts.
“Giving also builds social connectedness and improves everyone’s mental health, which aligns with our vision of making Tasmania the healthiest island on the planet.”
All donations of new toys are welcomed. For those aged 10 to 16 years (who can be harder to buy gifts for), gift vouchers are recommended.
Donation points
What: Unwrapped new toys
Where: St Lukes Launceston (93 Cimitiere Street)
When: Until 5pm Thursday 5th December
Where: Launceston City Mission, 48 Frederick Street
What: Non-perishable food items, unwrapped new toys
When: Until 5pm Thursday 5th December