St Vincent de Paul’s Christmas appeal launched

A dedicated group of charity workers determined to help Caloundra’s older community have today launched their annual Christmas food hamper appeal.
St Vincent de Paul’s Caloundra branch is pleading with local residents to donate non-perishable food items to help the needy.
Allan Harris from St Vincent de Paul said the initiative, now in its third year, specifically targets helping older residents who find themselves in dire situations at Christmas.
“This is a locally based appeal that targets elderly people who are housebound and have no support,” Mr Harris said.
“A lot of these people are isolated and are in desperate need of help – when you see grown men cry it’s pretty bad.”
Mary Bliss from St Vincent de Paul said they hoped to raise more than 100 hampers, nearly double last year’s collection.
“People really need it this year, they can’t afford these things,” Ms Bliss said.
Member for Caloundra Mark McArdle has offered his office as a drop-off point and is urging locals to donate.
“This appeal targets those people who won’t raise their hand, but need a helping hand,” Mr McArdle said.
“We have great people here in this region who pull together when charities need them and I urge everybody who can to donate.
“No donation is too small.”
In their first year St Vincent’s Caloundra collected about 12 hampers, and 54 last year.
The appeal is open until December 20.

• Drop off points include: St Vincent de Paul Caloundra, 16 Mayes Avenue, Caloundra
• Scrappi Doo Scrapbooking, 782 Nicklin way, Currimundi
• Comino’s Drapery, 26 Bulcock St, Caloundra
• Office of Mark McArdle, 118 Bulcock St, Caloundra