The Christmas Cheer initiative, a collaboration between Tomorrow Today, Ray White Benalla, The Salvation Army and Benalla Rural City Council, had a tremendous response from the local community.
Peter Symes from Ray White Benalla was keen to thank the businesses and individuals in Benalla who gave so generously.
“Once again the Benalla community has shown the depth of kindness that makes this town such a wonderful place to live,” Mr Symes said.
“We were inundated with toys and gifts for the kids, and we were pleased to see the business community step up with cash and in-kind donations that helped to get food on the table for so many families.
“For us, knowing that local families would have a happier Christmas is what really matters.”
Salvation Army Captain Ben Anderson said it was a fantastic response from the community.
“To see all the donations of toys and of food was really heart-warming, and I’d like to particularly mention Benalla P-12 College, Avon St Campus, who ran a casual dress day donation for the food drive which was amazingly successful.
“Woolies has been really interested in helping the Salvos and so it was great to have them on board to encourage and make it easy for the Benalla community to donate.”
Mr Anderson said they had received over 160 registrations for assistance through the program, but this represented a much larger number of people because the registration was usually for a household.
Tomorrow Today Executive Officer Jodie Fleming said it was an important collaboration.
“Working with other local organisations and the broader community is what makes initiatives like this successful,” she said.
“When we combine our efforts, we can make a much greater impact where and when it’s needed.
“It’s been wonderful to see the level of support for the campaign this year, from individuals and businesses alike.”
