On a Christmas mission

MISSION Australia’s Christmas Lunch in the Park has received a $15,000 boost from Lotterywest.

The lunch is the culmination of Mission’s annual Christmas appeal, which includes the distribution of food hampers and presents to families in need.

Preparations for this year’s lunch received a setback when a fire destroyed many of the organisation’s resources that are relied on for Christmas day.

Besides Lotterywest, Austwide Wholesalers have donated 1,000 children’s presents, 1,000 Christmas hats, 1,500 place settings and napkins, wrapping paper and decorations for the marquee.

More than 400 volunteers are expected to make the day memorable for around 1,500 guests.

Inquiries regarding donations of money, foodstuffs and presents should be directed to the Mission Australia Christmas Lunch in the Park hotline on 9225 0458.

Mission Australia has also opened its Withdrawal and Respite Service for young people battling drug and alcohol misuse.

The $750,000 investment in addressing alcohol and drug misuse will be operated by the Mission in partnership with the Department of Health.

Woodside staff played their part in the completion of the service by giving up their time to help paint the facility and even raising money to purchase the painting supplies needed for the job.

St Vincent’s appeal

THE St Vincent de Paul Society will be distributing 20,000 gifts and 7,000 hampers to make Christmas a special time for those finding it hard to make ends meet.

However, the charity is struggling to reach its $500,000 target from its Christmas appeal.

So far it has not even reached the halfway mark in its fund raising attempt.

St Vincent de Paul State president Brian Bull said Christmas was a time for giving.

"With the help of the local community we can make a difference to the lives of others," he said.

"We are very concerned that we will be unable to assist every genuine request for help.

"Families try to ensure that their children receive the fits they want and they in turn go without. They also face the additional hardship with back to school expenses."

All of the money raised from the appeal goes directly to the disadvantaged and donations of $2 and over are tax deductible.

Donations can be made by phoning 9475 5416.