Media Release

While retailers are looking to a big month of Christmas spending, community groups are also hoping shoppers direct a fraction of the festive spending towards support for local non-profit groups.

"An estimated $6 billion will be spent on Christmas this year. It is a great celebration to share with family, friends and loved ones. What we would encourage is that people also add to their Christmas lists some of the community groups that are also important or have made a major impact on their lives," said Dr Rhonda Galbally, the CEO of www.ourcommunity.com.au, a national resource for community groups.

"December is the traditional giving season, a time when people often think of making donations or supporting community groups. Most people, when asked, want to help but often lack the know-how."

Dr Galbally said support could be through a one-off donation or through a greater involvement through volunteering either individually or as a family or workplace or even by the simple act of joining a group.

"It's not just about giving money to community and non-profit groups although, given the ongoing problems with public liability insurance, every group has had to find more dollars this year. It's really about deciding that local community is a priority and deciding to do something about it," she said.

To help individuals and workplaces with ideas of how they can help their local community, a guide Christmas - 101 tips to help your community has been compiled and can be found online at www.ourcommunity.com.au/christmastips.

More than 160 separate community appeals, ranging from the National Heart Foundation, Oxfam and Reconciliation Australia to a range of small local non-profit groups are listed on the free online donations service at the National Community Giving Centre at www.ourcommunity.com.au/donations (sponsored by the National Australia Bank). A separate list of Christmas appeals is also listed at www.ourcommunity.com.au/christmasappeals.

Dr Galbally said that the Bali tragedy and the increasing devastating effects of the drought and the bushfires had focussed the attention of many Australians on the importance of friends, family and a greater connection with their local community. "As Americans did after September 11, Australians are turning more to their local communities for support. We need to ensure that those local communities and the 700,000 groups that sustain them are strong and vibrant enough to provide that support," Dr Galbally said.

"The message for individuals - and workplaces where there is often a great sense of community - is to enjoy the Christmas spirit and where possible, see if they can spread it a little wider than previous years."

"The other thing that can't be forgotten is a healthy and well-supported community sector means a healthy economy - and more jobs. Research released recently by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that paid and voluntary activities in the community sector generated a massive $29 billion in economic activity each year or almost 5 per cent of GDP." For media inquiries, call Brian Walsh on (03) 9320 6813 or email brianw@ourcommunity.com.au