Support drought impacted families in the Upper Hunter this Christmas
Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook shire councils have partnered with Upper Hunter Community Services (UHCS) to ensure that 500 drought impacted families are supported this Christmas through the ‘We LIVE Here’ investment card.
The “Our Shout this Christmas” initiative aims to raise $500,000 from donations to allow 500 drought impacted households to each receive a $1000 ‘We LIVE Here’ card to spend over the Christmas period.
Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Wayne Bedggood said that many Australians want to help regional areas suffering from the drought and that this campaign will help support 500 families through one of the most financially and emotionally challenging times of the year.
“Individuals, groups and businesses, big and small, from all over the country can come on board with donations and ‘shout’ a family this Christmas, and all donations are tax deductible,” he said.
Muswellbrook Mayor Martin Rush also supports the campaign. “Through ‘Our Shout this Christmas’ we have the opportunity to not only support individuals and families doing it tough over Christmas but keep our expenditure local and support our rural businesses who are also suffering the financial impact of the drought.”
Upper Hunter Community Services Manager Mel Atkinson said they are proud to be a partner in ‘Our Shout this Christmas’. UHCS will co-ordinate the fundraising and distribution platform of the initiative along with providing an opportunity for community members to learn more about UHCS services.
“We are looking forward to working alongside community organisations to distribute the funds through the ‘We LIVE Here’ investment card. The campaign will not only lend a helping hand this Christmas to those who need it, it will also support local business, which is fantastic.
“And the value of a personal message cannot be underestimated, we encourage everyone who is donating to share a message of support when they make a donation.
To make a donation visit www.ourshoutthischristmas.org.au
“Our Shout this Christmas” builds on the successful “We LIVE Here” program launched in November 2018 by Upper Hunter Shire and Muswellbrook Shire councils which to date has kept $200,000 invested in local businesses.
The gift cards are supported by both councils and major businesses, including mining companies, as their preferred Christmas gifts for staff ensuring widespread use throughout the community. ‘We LIVE Here’ recently won a 2019 Local Government NSW (LGNSW) award for its positive impact on the local community.
The gift cards are accepted at over 200 businesses in Aberdeen, Denman, Gundy, Jerry’s Plains, Merriwa, Murrurundi, Muswellbrook, Sandy Hollow, Scone and Wingen. (Upper Hunter businesses can still join for free at https://www.whyleavetown.com/register).
