ABC Tasmania launches 27th annual Giving Tree Appeal

ABC Tasmania is preparing to launch the 2015 ABC Giving Tree Appeal on Friday 27 November with a
special live broadcast where the beautiful Giving Tree’s fairy lights will be switched on.

This continues the tradition of being one of the biggest Christmas charities in the state, partnering with
nine charities to give disadvantaged and vulnerable people in the Tasmanian community the chance to
share the joy of Christmas.

From Friday 27 November until Friday 11 December, ABC Tasmania is encouraging people to donate
money and gifts suitable for children, young people and families which will be distributed by the charities
over the festive season.

This year donations are also encouraged online, making it easier than ever for people to donate much
needed funds for those doing it tough over the holiday period.

The charities receiving and distributing the donations are the Launceston Benevolent Society, Launceston
City Mission, St Vincent de Paul Society, The Salvation Army, Uniting Care Tasmania, Hobart City Mission,
Mission Australia, Anglicare and Colony47.

Toni Muir, State President of St Vincent de Paul Society in Tasmania, said that the charity is delighted and
grateful to be participating in the 2015 ABC Tasmania Giving Tree Appeal.

“Christmas is a time for giving and sharing, and the gifts we receive from the ABC Giving Tree will help us to
restore hope to the lives of hundreds of Tasmanian families experiencing hardship.

“Not only are children catered for but the kindness and generosity of others enables us to provide gifts for
all family members so the festive season is a happy and joyful occasion for all.”

ABC Local Manager Jocelyn Nettlefold says the ABC Giving Tree is an important institution in Tasmania.

“Tasmanians donate to the appeal knowing their contribution goes directly to those in need, and for so
many people giving in some way to the appeal is part of their festive tradition.”

As well as gifts and donations, there will be a number of special Giving Tree events including:

 The ABC Giving Tree Launch at 10.30am on Friday, 27 November in the ABC Hobart foyer.
Launched by the 2016 Tasmanian Australian of the Year, Jane Hutchinson, and hosted by Mornings
presenter Leon Compton, the live broadcast will mark the beginning of the festive season. Featuring
choirs and local ABC personalities, the Launch is one not to miss. The Hobart foyer will be open for
the first two weekends of December for people wishing to place a gift.

 An outdoor broadcast from Salamanca Market on Saturday 28 November with Chris Wisbey from
936 ABC Hobart and ABC Northern Tasmania. This special program will feature Peter Cundall live
from outside the Salamanca Arts Centre with gardening talkback, ABC News Weather Calenders for
sale, signed copies of coveted Marjorie Bligh books, and our Giving Tree volunteers rattling the tins.

 Quiz Nights across the state – with Rosebery already raising over $11,000, the Launceston, Hobart
and Burnie Quiz Nights are a popular staple in the seasonal calendar. More info here:
http://ab.co/1kSI7Cp

 After all the gifts have been delivered, an Elf Breakfast will be held at the ABC on Tuesday 15
December where presenter Ryk Goddard and some special elves will help to sort out the presents
for collection by the charity. Please email givingtree@abc.net.au for more information.

This year, the ABC Giving Tree Appeal is calling for the following suggested donations for children, young
people, and their families:

 Food vouchers (food only, no alcohol)
 Non perishable items
 School holiday activity vouchers eg movie passes, bowling, playlands, etc.
 Gift cards
 Back to school items
 Money can be donated online here: heroix.everydayhero.com.au/event/abcgivingtree2015/donate

New, unwrapped gift items can be delivered to the Giving Tree at the ABC Hobart and ABC Launceston
reception, as well as these locations:

 Burnie LINC
 Devonport LINC
 Kingston LINC
 Huon LINC
 Glenorchy LINC
 New Norfolk Library
 Bicheno Library
 St Helen’s Library
 Bridgewater LINC
 Burnie City Council Offices

For more details please visit http://ab.co/1kSI7Cp
Morgan Barnsley, Marketing Coordinator, 936 ABC Hobart