Media Release

AUSTRALIANS are being asked to think of simple ways they can assist local community groups in the lead-up to Christmas as part of the inaugural Australian Giving Week (December 5-11, 2005).

Australian Giving Week is being promoted by www.ourcommunity.com.au, to focus attention on the many ways that individuals, families, businesses and groups can make a difference to community groups in the lead-up to Christmas.

"Community groups need support every week of the year but the idea behind Australian Giving Week was to encourage people to take some small, simple steps

that can have an amazing ripple effect in the wider community and have a year-long impact," said Dr Rhonda Galbally AO, CEO of www.ourcommunity.com.au, the national resource for Australia's 700,000 community organisations.

To encourage and inspire the spirit of giving and giving at Christmas time, www.ourcommunity.com.au has:

  • Developed a list of 125 tips from the basic to the innovative of ways people can help community groups this Christmas.
  • Established a list of Australian groups selling community Christmas cards.
  • Highlighted a number of Christmas appeals on the site.
  • Promoted the Australian Giving Centre where more than 670 community appeals from across the country are listed.
  • Developed a list of places to buy Christmas Trees where the funds go to local communities.
The ideas can be found at www.ourcommunity.com.au/christmasgiving.

"There is plenty of desire from people, particularly younger people, to make a difference at this time of year but often the one thing lacking is ideas," Dr Galbally said.

"Australian Giving Week (December 5-11) is about providing those ideas and encouraging people to connect with community groups."

"It could be through making a donation, donating a present, attending a local Carols by Candlelight, volunteering, joining a group, buying a community Christmas card, donating an old computer or gathering workmates to make a difference.

"It's also encouraging community groups to inspire and encourage their local communities to help by showcasing what they do and why they need support."

Australian Giving Week is supported by Westpac Bank which also provides support to the Australian Giving Centre. The Australian Giving Centre includes Australia's only free online donation service (currently 670 community appeals listed on the site) as well as information on how people can donate time, computers, mobile phones, clothes, furniture, blankets, land, blood and sign up for organ donations.

The Australian Giving Centre, also supported by Westpac Bank, at www.ourcommunity.com.au has already raised over $4.5 million.