Mayor’s 2017 Christmas/New Year Appeal now open
11 December 2017
Residents urged to donate for disadvantaged people and injured wildlife
Christmas and the festive season are a difficult time for many in the Tweed and the annual Mayoral Christmas Appeal is a way we can all assist those in need – including our injured wildlife.
Mayor of Tweed, Councillor Katie Milne has chosen three charities to support this year – Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers and homeless support groups You Have a Friend and Fred’s Place.
“Christmas is a beautiful time to show our love and generosity to family and friends, but it’s also important to remember that many of our residents are struggling badly, and many species in our Shire are on the brink of extinction,” Councillor Milne said.
“It’s easy to get wrapped up in the joy of the moment and forget that others are doing it tough. The annual Mayoral Christmas/New Year Appeal is a reminder that others need our help – including our injured wildlife.
“Even a small gesture will make the world of difference to those less fortunate,” she said.
Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers rescue and rehabilitate native fauna for return to their natural environment as well as advocating for conservation and welfare of our local wildlife. The organisation
Received 2000 calls in the last financial year (1000 of these as a result of wildlife hit by vehicles), rescued 775 animals and released 540 animals back into their natural environment.
Fred’s Place, a St Vincent de Paul Society facility, is located in Tweed Heads, offering support services for people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
You Have a Friend supports the homeless, marginalised and single parents and their children, providing 300 meals a week on the streets in the Tweed area and Coolangatta.
According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, in 2011 there were an estimated 308 homeless people in Tweed local government area. On any given night, one in every 200 people are homeless. In NSW, this equates to 105,237 people or 40.8 per 10,000 people.
Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers are seeking: towels (old or new), pillow cases, hot water bottles, old beanies and puppy training pads and food items for the animals.
You Have a Friend and Fred’s Place are seeking non-perishable foods, toiletries, coffee/tea, sugar, long-life milk, cordial, ring pull cans, instant noodle cups and simple first aid products.
Items can be dropped off to Council offices in Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah or Brett Street, Tweed Heads. Donations will be accepted until the end of January 2018.
Anyone wishing to make monetary donations is asked to contact the agencies directly:
Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers - www.tvwc.org.au/donate.php or call (02) 6672 4789
You Have a Friend - www.youhaveafriend.com.au/sponsorship or call (07) 5524 2008
Fred’s Place – call (07) 5536 1906