Christmas has come early for some 850 families across the Bathurst region, with the 2BS Bathurst Lions Christmas Miracle Appeal delivering plenty of cheer over the weekend.
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A host of generous volunteers were on hand in the Mount Panorama Pit Complex across Saturday and Sunday to present hampers full of desirable Christmas produce to families in need of extra support during the festive season.
2BS director Janeen Hosemans said the appeal generated a wonderful response from the local community.
"I think the hamper recipients are very grateful to receive something a little extra from the community for Christmas, and that's what the appeal is all about," Ms Hosemans said.
"There's a mountain of organisation involved in the appeal each year; arranging the lists of recipients, the packing process, deliveries, the clean-up afterwards; but it's all worth it to bring some Christmas cheer to families across the region."
In a change from previous years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, families were required to visit Mount Panorama to pick up the hampers, whereas normally the hampers would be delivered directly to recipients.
"The change in delivery did pose some challenges at first but in a way, the pick-up process made organisation easier," Ms Hosemans said.
"As recipients came to pick up hampers themselves, it saved us any logistics issues related to directions and transport."
The miracle appeal celebrated its 51st staging this year, and Ms Hosemans said the longevity of the initiative is a testament to the unfaltering generosity of the Bathurst community and local organisations.
"Christmas is about giving, and it's a narrative that never gets old," she said.
"We're also grateful for [Bathurst mayor] Bobby Bourke in securing the Pit Complex for our use each year
The hampers were packed on Friday, and packing volunteers included community members, Lions Club of Bathurst and Rotary Club members, and staff from Westfund Health Insurance, Bathurst City Centre, and 2BS/B-Rock.
Lions Club of Bathurst treasurer Mal Purves said the Christmas Miracle Appeal is a worthwhile community project to assist families who face significant adversity due to financial strain, isolation and mobility issues.
"The appeal supports people who might not be in as comfortable a position as they'd like to be around Christmas time," Mr Purves said.
"It's our way of letting the less fortunate know the community is thinking of them, everyone deserves some Christmas cheer."