CORPORATE sponsorship of Christmas appeals is strong in Western Australia this year, with Western Power and BHP Billiton both supporting appeals during the coming weeks.
BHP is supporting Mission Australia’s annual Christmas Lunch in the Park, while Western Power is involved in the Charity Link Appeal, which aims to distribute more than 3,000 food hampers and 18,000 toys with the help of volunteers over Christmas.
Western Power has provided Charity Link with more than $500,000 since it commenced its support of the organisation in 2004.
“With the help of many hard-working volunteers, Charity Link coordinates the Christmas appeal for more than 120 charity organisations across WA, providing food and toys to families and individuals who would otherwise go without,” Western Power chief executive Doug Aberle said.
The Christmas Lunch in the Park, now in its 35th year, is held at East Perth’s Wellington Square Park and is Perth’s biggest Christmas Day charity event.
“This year we have joined forces with BHP Billiton as the major sponsor of ‘CLIP’ to ensure everyone in the Perth community has the opportunity to enjoy Christmas Day,” Mission Australia state director Ross Kyrwood said.
“We want people from all walks of life who, for one reason or another, don’t have friends or family to share the Christmas experience with to come along just before 11.30am and be a part of our community on Christmas Day.”