Bathurst's branch of the Salvation Army has been hard at work over the past few weeks preparing gift hampers for the charity's annual Christmas appeal.
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The branch is expected to meet with over 110 families in the coming weeks to help provide some Christmas cheer for hundreds of children in the Bathurst community.
Lieutenant Kate Cathcart said the hampers will cater for children of all ages.
"We've received thousands of donations from a range of local businesses and organisations, including everything from $2 to $50 gifts," Lt Cathcart said.
"The aim is to ease the Christmas burden for families who are doing it tough."
According to research carried out by Roy Morgan Research Institute, one in three Australians feel pressured to spend more than they can afford at Christmas.
The same research found over 65 per cent of Australians experience added financial strain over the Christmas period.
Lt Cathcart said many of her clients experience significant financial hardship.
"A lot of people we see struggle to make ends meet in normal situations, and that financial hardship is only compounded at Christmas where families want to go above and beyond to bring cheer to their children," she said.
"Some have to support extra family members over the period, and it can be quite challenging to have those financial conversations."
Lt Cathcart said the issue of complicated family relationships can further add to the stress of Christmas time.
"Many people experience disconnection from their families, whether it be separated parents or family members in other countries," she said.
"Even car problems and medical issues can through a spanner in the works for families doing it tough."
Lt Cathcart said the response to the Christmas appeal from the Bathurst community will go a long way to improve Christmas for impoverished families.
"The greatest joy of Christmas is the ability to give, and this appeal provides welcome relief for less fortunate families," she said.
"We're passionate about our mission to transform lives one person at a time."
The appeal has received donations from 2BS B-Rock, 346 Panorama Avenue, Dance Factory, Newcastle Permanent, Rydges Bathurst, Panorama Motorcycle Club and the Uniting Church.
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Sam Bolt
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
