Media Release

AUSTRALIANS spending tens of millions of dollars in the last days before Christmas are being urged to consider their favourite community and non-profit groups.

With Christmas fast approaching, Australia's 700,000 community organisations are still hopeful of a spurt of last-minute donations and other offers of support from people prepared to share the Giving Spirit.

Dr Rhonda Galbally AO, the CEO of www.ourcommunity.com.au, the operator of Australia's only free online donation service for community and non-profit groups, said it was important that people spared a thought for the community groups whose work they admire.

"Often there is a mad rush to get the shopping done, to buy the presents and food for Christmas Day and to get around and see all our friends, family and loved ones. Hopefully as people take a deep breath and go through their lists, their thoughts will turn to how they can supporting community organisations.

More than $350,000 has so far been donated online to appeals through the National Giving Centre at www.ourcommunity.com.au/donations and there are currently more than 275 appeals seeking donations for groups ranging from national welfare agencies to environment organisations, neighbourhood health centres and support organisations. Appeals featured include St Vincent de Paul, Oxfam, Reconciliation Australia, Alannah and Madeline Foundation, Kids Under Cover, Yooralla, Jesuit Social Services, Uniting Care, Lifeline, Benevolent Society, Life Education NSW, Trish Multiple Sclerosis Research Foundation, Canteen Queensland, Eye Research Foundation, Mental Health Research Institute, Care Australia, Foundation for Survivors of Torture, Aids Trust and dozens more

"Many workplaces, families and individuals have already factored their favourite community group into their Christmas preparations but for those that haven't' the message is that there is still time to make a difference," Dr Galbally said.

"It's never too late to help and it is one way to ensure that people provide a gift that truly does keep on giving by allowing community organisations to fund activities in 2004."

"It doesn't have to be a donation. There are numerous ways people can help through volunteering, mentoring, in-kind gifts and even by turning up to community events to show their support.

"If anyone is looking for last-minute ideas on how they can make a difference at Christmas time, we have prepared a list of 125 Tips to help your local community this Christmas. The free list can be viewed or downloaded from www.ourcommunity.com.au/christmasgiving