Big community hearts bring Peel Christmas Hamper Appeal to Waroona for those in need

Hundreds of Waroona residents benefited from community spirit and generosity on Wednesday as part of the Peel Regional Community Christmas Hamper Appeal.

Key groups, including St Vincent De Paul and Waroona Family Support Service, pooled together with businesses and organisations from the Peel region to obtain generous donations of food and toys for eligible individuals and families in the town.

Around 180 hampers were distributed to residents and families in need through the help of volunteers and donations from around the district.

St Vincent De Paul Waroona president Kathy Gurr noted the generous public support for the appeal.

“Community need certainly increases every year and the level of donations increases every year as well,” she said.

“We get a lot of donations from local schools, private individuals, and local businesses in terms of money and other goods.”

Vinnies volunteer Renae Lund said there are a number of factors which make the appeal a success.

“The donations are so generous and all of the organisations work so well together,” she said.

Waroona resident Lily Martelli has lived in the area for more than 17 years and comes to collect her hamper every year.

The pensioner described the support as “beautiful”, noting the donations helps her out with her big family at Christmas time.

Waroona Family Support Service has been involved with the appeal for about three years and is part of a key group of organisers including the Waroona Lions Club, Vinnies and the Halo Team Inc.

Family Support Service member Lina Look said the appeal’s main aim was to help put a meal on the table for struggling families on Christmas Day.

“The highlights were seeing the appreciation from people who came and some beautiful comments on Facebook”, she said.

Government and corporate sponsors for this year’s event included the Shire of Waroona, Alcoa, Coles, and Lotterywest.

Other supporters from the area include Charles Hull Contracting, SCHLAM, Waroona IGA, St Joseph’s School Waroona and Pinjarra Bakery.