Christmas Cheer That Makes a Difference All Year

MALLEE Accommodation and Support Program (MASP) is urging local businesses and benefactors to make a difference to Mallee families and communities all year when they lend a hand this Christmas.

MASP Chief Executive Officer Vincent Wilson said the “Christmas spirit” drives enormous community benefit for MASP each year through donations of gifts and toys and contributions to supporting organisations’ Christmas campaigns.

“The generosity is deeply appreciated, and those donations absolutely do make a happier Christmas for people who certainly need some kindness,” Mr Wilson said.

“Beyond Christmas, we are seeing rising demand for MASP services as cost-of-living pressures increase, and we’re expecting that will mean a busy year in 2023.  So we’d encourage supporters to also consider giving in ways that can help us make a difference all year round,” he said.

Mr Wilson said the organisation was fortunate a number of businesses and individuals also choose to make annual contributions at Christmas time that are not necessarily linked to Christmas – such as supermarket vouchers, financial donations or in-kind contributions.

“It’s a good feeling to be able to share the Christmas spirit through a donation of some kind if you’re in a position to do so, and the contributions to supporting organisations’ toy drives and gifting programs makes Christmas brighter,” Mr Wilson said.

“The reality for many people we support is that Christmas won’t be when they are in crisis.  A supermarket voucher or financial contribution that we can use at any time of the year will put meals on the table or provide a school uniform for a young person, when they really need it,” he said.

Mr Wilson said donations and in-kind support were a critical element in MASP’s work as a ‘force for good’ in Mallee communities, supporting people to lead safe, secure, healthy and fulfilling lives. 

“Although Government funding underpins a large proportion of our work, the financial support of generous organisations and individuals is also vitally important in the ways we can support our communities,” he said.

“They mean direct help to community members going through a tough time, but also support our bigger picture in allowing us to develop and expand programs, trial new initiatives and pilot projects, and move into meeting emerging and higher need areas.”

More information on options for community support are on MASP’s website: www.masp.org.au/get-involved/make-a-donation/