GPC joins fight to help ease pressure on families this Christmas

THIS year 500 children and 140 families in Gladstone will rely on the Salvation Army Australia to put food on the table and toys under the tree, and Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) is joining the fight to help ease the struggle – donating $10,000 to help the Salvos in Central Queensland and particularly Gladstone on their mission.

The generous donation from GPC is all part of its Community Investment Program under the Grants and Donations category, to provide funds to the port communities of Gladstone, Rockhampton and Bundaberg.

CEO Craig Haymes said GPC recognises the tremendous efforts the Salvation Army have been providing to the community to assist with cost of living issues, food and housing and bushfire support.

“We are pleased to advise that a donation for $10,000 will go to the Salvation Army to support its welfare efforts in the Central Queensland region through the Red Shield Appeal,” Mr Haymes said.

“It is humbling to know that the donation will be used to help those struggling during the festive season including bringing a smile to the faces of so many children,” he said.

“Christmas looks different for every family but we hope people stay connected and reach out to the Salvation Army for help – the Salvation Army play a vital role each year in keeping families above water.”

Salvation Army Gladstone Captain, Kaylene Ford said GPC’s donation will go a long way.

“At this stage we are on track to support 140 families with food hampers and over 500 kids with toys.  This equates to over 2000 toys being given to vulnerable families in Gladstone.  Our food bill alone for food hampers exceeds $8000,” Capt. Ford said.

“On average we see approximately 70 people a week who are seeking financial assistance for financial intervention.  Most of these are because of the increase in cost of living,” she said.

“Zip Pays and After Pays are of great concern at present.  Many families we are seeing are resorting to using these services to purchase gift cards which they then use for groceries.  It is not uncommon to see more than 10 Zip pays owing when we are looking at budgets.”

To find out more or make a donation visit: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/red-shield-appeal/