Three Hunter charities helping those less fortunate in our community this Christmas have been given a financial boost as their combined Christmas Appeal concludes.

The Greater Building Society will today donate $10,000 to the Hunter Community Christmas Appeal jointly run by Wesley Mission Newcastle, Salvation Army and Samaritans.

Greater CEO Don Magin presented the cheque to Wesley Mission Newcastle region manager Greg Colby at the gift and toy centre in Newcastle, established by the three charities.

Mr Colby said that the cash donation would help the charities to meet the costs of running the Christmas Appeal, freeing up limited resources to help those in need in the new-year.
 
More than $120,000 worth of gifts and toys were donated through Greater Building Society branches, local Clubs NSW venues and through the purchase of gift cards at Charlestown Square during this year’s appeal. Mr Colby said the centre has enabled more than 800 people to have the opportunity of shopping for a Christmas gift and food hamper as well as the dignity of being able to select their own gifts for their children.

He said the charities and the people they support were very appreciative of the generosity of individuals as well as businesses, schools, preschools, churches and community groups.

“Thanks to the generous support of the community there are many children who will have a present to open on Christmas Day who would have otherwise gone without,” Mr Colby said

“The store is about giving people who are doing it tough some dignity at this special time of year.”

It is the third year in which the charities have combined their resources to operate a Christmas store rather than to simply distribute toys.
 
Mr Magin said that the donation had been made possible with the support of the Greater’s insurance partner Allianz Australia. 

“The Greater and its staff were again delighted to support this important initiative to make sure that people in need have the opportunity to give their loved ones a gift at Christmas.”

Media information: Craig Eardley (Greater PR) 0437 477 493. Vision and interview opp: Don Magin and charity representatives in the warehouse with some of the donated goods.