Mayor’s Christmas Appeal launches

Published on 23 November 2021

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser has urged people to give generously to the annual Mayor’s Christmas Appeal, set to benefit hundreds of families through local charity Samaritans.

“It has been an incredibly challenging year for everyone, but especially for people who were already doing it tough before the pandemic,” Cr Fraser said.

“Donated toys, gifts and non-perishable items will help the Samaritans provide for families struggling to make ends meet at Christmas.”

“Lake Macquarie has shown such community spirit in 2021, and I’m looking forward to seeing that continue with the Christmas Appeal and into the new year.”

Samaritans is the welfare arm of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, providing disability care, youth, family, mental health and community support through more than 100 services in the Hunter Region and NSW.

Anglican Bishop of Newcastle Peter Stuart said the charity would serve Christmas Day lunch, with gifts and all the trimmings, to more than 1400 people across the Hunter this year.

“Some families in our community don’t have enough money to celebrate,” Bishop Peter said.

“Samaritans Christmas Toy Warehouse, Christmas Day lunches and extra Christmas assistance is all possible thanks to the generous communities we work within.

“Donations to the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal will help us make sure local families in need have gifts to open on Christmas Day.”

Items can be dropped off at any Lake Mac Libraries branch, or Council’s Speers Point administration building, until Thursday 16 December.