Bendigo Community Health Services has launched a festive appeal enabling big-hearted locals to gift love this Christmas.
The BCHS Gift of Love Festive Appeal is raising funds and awareness for three projects that will make a practical difference to people experiencing hardship in Bendigo.
BCHS CEO Mandy Hutchinson said all appeal donations, no matter how big or small, will also send a beautiful message that Bendigo is a community that cares about each other.
“We work at the coalface of a lot of need in our community, and we know many challenges could be quickly overcome if we had the extra funds to meet specific needs,” Mandy said.
“That’s why we’re asking people to do something amazing as we head to the end of 2025.
“We’re asking them to put some of their gift budgets aside for one of three great causes.”
The community health service has chosen the following causes for people to make a tax-deductible donation to:
- Meeting the immediate day-to-day needs of people experiencing homelessness in Bendigo, such as wholesome meals, warm bedding or sturdy shoes.
- Supporting children to have what they need in 2026, including school uniforms, quality clothing, sports equipment and toys.
- Purchasing plants and landscaping supplies for a therapeutic garden for people receiving treatment and support for alcohol or drug dependence.
“Donating as little as $5 will buy someone experiencing homelessness a cup of coffee,” Mandy said.
“A contribution of $50 will buy some native plants for our therapeutic garden, or $100 will provide a newly-arrived refugee child with a school uniform to begin their education in Bendigo in 2026.
“Whatever the amount, we will make the most of it to make a difference to the life of someone doing it tough.”
Mandy said in return, donors will receive a tax receipt, a social media tile to share if they wish, and a certificate to print and keep or gift to a loved one so they know a Gift of Love has been passed on in their name for Christmas.
“Simply make your choice, then make an easy, secure online donation of any dollar amount you like to make a wonderful gift of love,” Mandy said.
Pictured above is Mandy, centre, with Karl and Rhi, of the BCHS InRoads Program – supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Bendigo.
