Adopt a Family will run in 2020, vouchers to replace traditional gifts
A Christmas reason for giving will continue this year during the Geelong Advertiser and Harvey Norman Adopt a Family Appeal.
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Locals will be able to help families in need celebrate Christmas after one of our toughest years with the Geelong Advertiser and Harvey Norman Adopt a Family Appeal.
This year the community is being asked to donate vouchers from local businesses to help families in need in a COVID safe way..
Geelong Advertiser General Manager Scott Bennett and Editor Elise Potter said the 2020 appeal was vital due to the scale of hardship COVID-19 had caused.
“In the face of our region suffering many setbacks, and more importantly, many local families
experiencing financial hardship, we also unanimously agreed that this year was the most vitally important in supporting the community,” Mr Bennett said.
Those who participate in the appeal will receive a profile of a local family who needs special help this Christmas. Adopters can then visit local businesses to buy vouchers to suit the family’s profile, which can be dropped off with attached “messages of hope” at the Geelong Advertiser office or at Harvey Norman stores in Waurn Ponds and Corio.
Vouchers will be distributed to families, nominated by Bethany Community Support and Uniting Care Geelong, in the weeks leading up to Christmas so that they can purchase the gifts themselves before Christmas day.
During the 2020 appeal, gift vouchers will replace individual gifts, such as toys, books and clothes, which will not be accepted this year because of COVID handling restrictions.
“We understand this is a different approach to previous years, but we’re also confident that it is the safest and most responsible, and more importantly, will provide our local community with the support they need this year,” Mr Bennett said.
“And the bonus is you will be supporting local businesses who have also had a tough year,” Ms Potter said.
To register to be a part of this year’s appeal and help a local family in need, visit geelongadvertiser.com.au/adoptafamily. Register by October 26.
Originally published as Adopt a Family will run in 2020, vouchers to replace traditional gifts