Community and business urged to donate to the needy this Christmas

6/12/06 Community Development Minister David Templeman said he hoped to see a record haul of food donations to charity this Christmas thanks to new laws protecting donors from liability.

6/12/06
Community Development Minister David Templeman said he hoped to see a record haul of food donations to charity this Christmas thanks to new laws protecting donors from liability.
Mr Templeman encouraged businesses and organisations to donate their surplus food to the disadvantaged this Christmas after the 'Volunteers and Food and Other Donors (Protection from Liability) Act 2002' came into effect on Saturday.
The Minister said many food manufacturers, retailers and hospitality businesses had previously been deterred from donating food to charitable organisations because they could be prosecuted if the food later became contaminated.
The new legislation ensured protection for businesses involved with the growing, manufacture, wholesale, retail and transportation of food or grocery products, which were then distributed free-of-charge to disadvantaged people through non-Government agencies.
"Christmas is a particularly difficult time for many individuals and families who are enduring hardship," Mr Templeman said.
"Food which might otherwise be thrown away can make a huge difference to people in need - indeed it could be the difference between a merry Christmas and a miserable one."
Mr Templeman said the onus was still on food donors to ensure the products were safe to consume at the time of donation.
The legislation was instigated by Foodbank WA and supported by the Office of Seniors and Volunteering.
The Minister today paid a visit to Foodbank WA's Welshpool depot, where CEO Doug Paling said they were already seeing an increase in donations.
"Foodbank thanks the Minister, the Government and Parliament for the passage of the new legislation, which will translate into many more food donations to assist needy families," Mr Paling said.
"It is wonderful that the bill has been declared prior to Christmas, a time of year when the demand increases on community support agencies for food assistance.
"There are many circumstances which can disadvantage ordinary families and lead to many children suffering in a crisis not of their own making.
"It is good to know that the Government has provided a means to improve the level of assistance given to people."
The Minister also urged those of us in the community enjoying these prosperous times to embrace the spirit of giving and help make sure it was a festive season for all Western Australians.
"I am pleading with everyone to spare something for those less fortunate, be it a few dollars, some food or clothing or even some time," Mr Templeman said.

"It is so easy and costs very little to donate something like a can of food, or to place a small gift for a needy child under a tree.
"It costs nothing to donate a few hours to help someone in need or to visit someone who may be feeling lonely at this time of year."

Many organisations and charities are working hard to help those in need. Some suggestions for those wishing to donate this Christmas are:

  • Father Brian Crisis Care Centre
    This year is the 30th year Father Brian Morrison has been collecting for needy families at Christmas. Please take donations to: rear 18 Colin St West Perth 6005 Telephone 9481 4050.
  • Kmart wishing trees in Kmart stores nationwide.
    The appeal is Australia's largest Christmas gift appeal and has distributed almost 3.4 million gifts to people in need over the past 18 years. In 2006, Kmart aims to collect more than 450,000 gifts nationally. Established by Kmart, the appeal supports some of Australia's largest welfare organisations including Charity Link in WA. The toys Charity Link receives are distributed to children from financially disadvantaged families as part of the Western Power Charity Link Christmas Appeal. Other beneficiaries of the Wishing Tree include the Salvation Army, The Smith Family and the Brotherhood of St Laurence.
  • Mission Australia Christmas Lunch in the Park - Christmas Day Wellington Square, East Perth - 11.00-3.00
    Small gift donations are gratefully received for the lunch and can be delivered to Mission Australia 129 Hill St, East Perth or delivered to any Mission Australian agency. To donate money contact Mission Australia on (08) 9221 0362
  • Western Power Charity Link Christmas Appeal 2006 .
    Western Power sponsors Charity Link to manage the distribution of food hampers and toys. They aim to ensure there is a smile on every child's face at Christmas and that all West Australians enjoy a complete Christmas meal. In 2005, Charity Link distributed $160,000 worth of food to provide a complete Christmas meal for 10,225 individuals, and more than $500,000 worth of new toys to ensure 6,826 WA children received up to three gifts each on Christmas morning. Phone: 131353
  • Salvation Army Christmas Appeal
    The Salvation Army Christmas Appeal helps provide hope and support to people who are struggling to buy the basics for Christmas. Smaller donations of gifts and food can be taken to one of the above Salvation Army centres, or to a Coles Supermarket or Kmart Wishing Tree. For large collections please contact (08) 9227 7010
  • St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal
    This Christmas the St Vincent de Paul Society will provide 20,000 gifts and 8,000 hampers to people in need throughout WA. St Vincent's is WA's largest charity, assisting 150,000 people throughout the state each year. To make a donation to help St Vincent's to help others call (08) 9475 5415
  • Anglicare Christmas Appeal.
    Donations can be made at: Anglicare WA, 23 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth 6004, or PO Box C138, Perth 6839. Phone: 9325 7033. Food and toys can be donated at 23 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth, or Daisy House, 1 Wade Court, Girrawheen.
  • Oxfam's 'Make Poverty History'
  • Foodbank. Phone : 9258 9277

There are a range of not for profit retail outlets where the purchase of gift will contribute to the well being of a disadvantaged person. Some are:Minister's office - 9220 5050