With 2024 being a tough year for many with the rise in the cost of living, as Christmas rolls around again, Yarrawonga Mulwala Community and Learning Centre (YMCLC) and participating businesses are committed to providing extra cheer for those in the community who are doing it especially tough.
YMCLC, alongside Yarrawonga Health, Club Mulwala, Woolworths, IgniteLife Church, the Lions Club, Yarrawonga P-12 Community Workshop, and Moira Foodshare (MHA), will be coordinating the appeal this year which works closely with local community groups to provide food and gifts to the disadvantaged members of the community and are hopeful that 2024 will be no exception.
YMCLC Executive Officer Julie-Anne Clarke said the appeal has been a well-known tradition in the local community.
“Last year approximately thirty local businesses, along with numerous community organisations and individuals, came together to make a positive impact with this well-known tradition in our community,” Ms Clarke said.
“Collectively their efforts helped to ensure that no one was forgotten during the holiday season.”
The idea is based on the concept of "paying it forward," where instead of repaying a person who has done something nice for you, you do something nice for someone else. This could be in the form of small gestures, like buying coffee for the person behind you in line, to larger acts of kindness or volunteering.
With more families experiencing hardship, YMCLC anticipate supporting between 550 to 600 individuals this Christmas, up from over 500 registrants last year.
Your contribution—whether it be food, gifts, or financial donations will have a profound impact on the success of the appeal and directly benefit those in need.
“This initiative unites local businesses, volunteers, and community groups with the shared goal of supporting those in need during the Christmas holiday season,” Ms Clarke said.
“The success of Pay It Forward hinges on the generous contributions of our community members.
“We extend an invitation to local residents and businesses to join us in making a difference.
“By donating through YMCLC, you can directly support our efforts to bring joy and relief to individuals and families in need.”
If you can contribute a tax-deductible donation of any size, YMCLC encourage you to reach out.
To donate, please contact the Yarrawonga Mulwala Community and Learning Centre at 5744 3911.
For those community members who are in need of assistance this Christmas, you can now register at https://mhacarelimited.formstack.com/forms/pay_it_forward_registration_form
or by phone via the Yarrawonga Health Intake Officer on 5743 8514.
Registrations opened today, Wednesday, October 30 and will close Thursday, December 12.
Food hampers of Christmas items and age-appropriate gifts for children 16 years and under will be distributed on Wednesday, December 18.