Charities Get Christmas Cash Boost
10 December 2013 at 3:59 pm
The Queensland Government has handed out $400,000 to four of Australia’s most well-known charities for Christmas.
The Smith Family, Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society and UnitingCare Community (formerly Lifeline Community Care Queensland) have each received $100,000 as part of the Premier’s 2013 Christmas donations.
The Smith Family Queensland General Manager Tania Kihl said the donation would go a long way to providing disadvantaged Queensland students with access to learning support and mentoring programs.
St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland State President Brian Moore said the $100,000 would allow Vinnies to provide accommodation, food, basic goods and treats to those in need during the holiday season.
Major Bruce Harmer, Communications Secretary for The Salvation Army said the State Government’s donation unlocked potential for service delivery previously unrealised.
And UnitingCare Community Executive Director Bob Gilkes said its donation would help support programs such as financial counselling, personal counselling and the Lifeline Crisis Line to support Queenslanders in crisis.
Premier Campbell Newman said the four charities had been instrumental in helping thousands of Queenslanders each and every year through hard times.
“Queenslanders are very appreciative of what they do to make life a little easier for those who are struggling,” Newman said.
“The Smith Family, The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society and UnitingCare Community have been around for many years and have become names that many people trust and turn to, especially leading into Christmas."
