By Mitchell Clarke
The south-east community was well and truly involved in the Christmas spirit, donating more than $12,000 towards Casey Cardinia Libraries (CCL) annual Christmas Charity Appeal.
From donations of gifts and non-perishable food items worth more than $10,000 to donations of cash, the 2019 contribution to the appeal exceeded that of previous years by several thousand dollars.
Partnering with eight local charities during the six-week campaign, the gifts and donations were distributed to help brighten up the festive period for those in need.
The charities included WAYSS, Barry Plant Emerald, Salvation Army Pakenham, Cranbourne and Casey North CISS, Hampton Park Community House and Transit Outreach Service.
Casey Cardinia Libraries CEO Chris Buckingham said the generosity of library members was “inspiring”.
“Our members have once again shown kindness and empathy at a time that can be difficult for many others in our community,” he said.
“It’s great that our libraries can facilitate their generosity via this annual appeal.”
But the work isn’t stopping anytime soon, with Casey Cardinia Libraries announcing they’ll commence fundraising for the current bushfire crisis, donating to the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund.
“Public libraries do so much more than providing information and resources. Each day libraries can be seen building stronger and more connected communities,” Mr Buckingham added.
“Through public campaigns such as our Christmas Charity Appeal and now our bushfire relief fundraising, libraries changes lives in so many ways.”
All donations received through library donation tap points and via library branches from now until the end of February will go directly to the Gippsland communities impacted by bushfires.
