General News
21 December, 2023
Salvo’s Christmas Eve carols
Encouraging the community to tune in to the festive spirit — The Maryborough Salvation Army is hosting a carols event on Christmas Eve and everyone is invited. Despite the destruction of the local Salvos thrift store last week, with a fire blazing...
Encouraging the community to tune in to the festive spirit — The Maryborough Salvation Army is hosting a carols event on Christmas Eve and everyone is invited.
Despite the destruction of the local Salvos thrift store last week, with a fire blazing through the entire facility, the organisation is still working on making Christmas a merry time for the community.
Getting underway on Sunday, from 3.30 pm onwards at The Salvation Army’s facility in Wills Street, the evening will feature a range of activities including a free barbecue, games and entertainment — with the carols running from 5 to 6 pm.
Maryborough Salvation Army captain Ronald Stobie said the event was about uniting the community during Christmas.
“It’s our gift back to the community and we’re really excited for it,” he said.
“I think the biggest part of it is our community and getting everyone to come together, just have a fun time, and share in the Christmas spirit together.
“Even though our shop burned down, and it was a huge loss to us, I actually believe we are bigger than just the store.
“We’re all about these programs and so we want to be able to provide another carol service in town for people that they can relax and enjoy. We would love to see as many people as possible, just to show how strong our community is.”
Alongside setting up its oval for the carols, the organisation has also been busy giving out food hampers, toys and other necessities to those in need of assistance as part of its annual Christmas Cheer Appeal.
This year, The Maryborough Salvation Army has supported over 500 people through the initiative, according to Mr Stobie.
“It’s been a busy couple of days for us but people seem to be enjoying and are grateful for what we’re able to give out,” he said.
“We’re very thankful for the community’s donations as well. We know it’s been a tough year for many people so we really appreciate everything we’ve gotten.
“At the end of the day, it is really about helping the community, made possible with the help of the community too. Without people volunteering and donating, it just would not be possible. It’s a huge undertaking but it’s an amazing feeling knowing we’re doing this.”
The Salvation Army’s Christmas carols event will begin with a free barbecue from 3.30 pm at The Salvo’s complex at 27 Wills Street, Maryborough, with carols to start from 5 pm.
The Salvation Army’s Maryborough branch will also reopen its emergency relief services on January 8.