Media Release

MORE SEEKING CHRISTMAS GIFTS THAT KEEP GIVING

A growing number of Australians are using their festive spending to create a greater
impact in the community as well as spreading Christmas cheer among family and friends.

While billions of dollars will be spent on Christmas goodies from Barbies and X-boxes to
perfume and books over coming weeks, there is greater interest from consumers on
ensuring their spending also provides a social dividend.

Dr Rhonda Galbally, CEO of www.ourcommunity.com.au, an online resource for
Australia's 700,000 community and non-profit groups, said Christmas was a time of
celebration but it was increasingly also a time when people reflected on how they could
"give something back" to their community.

"People want to celebrate and have a good time at Christmas. If they can do that in a way
that also provides warm inner glow and a financial bonus to community groups, then
more people are choosing to do so," Dr Galbally said.

Instead of buying a "normal" gift, many people are opting to donate to a group, buy a
membership or sponsor a child or animal on the recipient's behalf. Others are organising
collections at their workplace or family Christmas party to donate to community groups.

A list of 125 Christmas tips has been developed by www.ourcommunity.com.au to
inspire individuals, families and businesses wanting to show their support for community
groups.

The free list can be downloaded from www.ourcommunity.com.au/christmastips.

"They say it's the thought that counts but when people are supporting non-profit groups,
the thought counts long after the Christmas pudding has all gone," Dr Galbally said.

Dr Galbally said there was strong growth in donations made on behalf of friends, families
and – increasingly – workplaces to groups listed on the Australian Giving Centre's free
online donation service at www.ourcommunity.com.au.

The Australian Giving Centre, supported by Westpac Bank, is Australia's only free online
donation service and has raised over $700,000 for community groups. It currently
features over 470 appeals from community groups across Australia.

The Centre also features information on donating blood, time, computers, clothes,
furniture and mobile phones and signing up for organ donations.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Brian Walsh on (03) 9320 6813

The list can be reproduced by media outlets with credit line for www.ourcommunity.com.au.