A Helping Hand Christmas in Corangamite brings hope to those in need

It's part of a new community pilot program called A Helping Hand, the brainchild of Camperdown volunteers Elise McKinnon and Lauren Peterson.

"It will shine a light on the incredible work that is already being done by our local organisations and schools and empower the community to get involved and support their efforts," said Ms McKinnon, a dairy farmer and mother of three.

"A Helping Hand Christmas in Corangamite will ensure that local kids can trust that Santa remembers them and that everybody in our community is able to have a Christmas meal this year."

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St Vincent's Camperdown's Mary Brown said the program will connect anonymous requests from local community organisations with community members and local businesses who wish to help a family or individual this Christmas.

"Christmas can be a very hard time for many people in our community but this year it's especially important we help our neighbours as many more people are experiencing isolation and financial stress due to COVID-19," she said.

"Our volunteers at Vinnies haven't been able to meet in person and visit locals who may need extra support so it's wonderful that A Helping Hand can assist us this year.

"Through A Helping Hand we will do our best to give children at least one gift they have asked Santa for. We can't imagine how hard it would be as a parent finding it difficult to put food on the table let alone give your child the dream of a present from Santa."

Colac Area Health family and community programs manager Ruth Payne said it's about the community working together for the people who need it the most.

"For families that have less resources and access to supports every day a pandemic has greatly exacerbated this disadvantage," she said.

"This Christmas to be able to help a family with gifts for their children or through food donations is so important. It supports their dignity and independence to celebrate in a meaningful way."

All local health organisations, schools and other community groups can list the needs of those in their care through A Helping Hand and the community can then see what they can do to assist.

There are Wishing Trees located in towns around Corangamite Shire, including at Cobden's Newsagency and at Camperdown's HealthSave Pharmacy and Woolworths.

Terang and Camperdown IGA's have prepared food hampers that locals can contribute towards so a family in need can have a Christmas meal.

"This Christmas will be much more challenging as many families have lost work, or casual hours, had increased school costs for home schooling, increases in cost of living and utility prices so it will be so much more difficult to find the money for gifts and food," Sue Ryan, manager of Camperdown and Lismore Community Health said.

"To receive gifts through the Wishing Tree is a symbol that someone has thought about a family and cared and that means a lot."

Ms McKinnon said they had many local schools, health and other community organisations request support with gifts and meal hampers for those in their care.

"The response in terms of gifts and donations is a testament to the incredibly generous nature of our community," she said.

"Local businesses have been donating hampers, pool season vouchers, scooters and many other special gifts that will certainly bring a smile to a child's face this Christmas who otherwise may have missed out.

"We have been encouraging those who are donating goods to purchase locally where they can, to support our local small business owners as well.

"If any families in Corangamite need an extra helping hand this Christmas, please reach out and ask for help. Your community is here for you.

"Just ask your local healthcare agency, school or other community organisations who can all register needs with A Helping Hand.

"We hope that next year we can bring A Helping Hand to many more communities including Warrnambool very soon.

"We know that the next difficult time for families is getting their children ready for school so we plan to be able to assist those families through the organisations who support them in 2021."

They partnered with Deakin University, who created the foundation website www.ahelpinghand.com.au.

For businesses and families who would like to help someone in your community somehow this Christmas go to: www.facebook.com/ahelpinghandcorangamite

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