General News
10 November, 2022
Salvos start reverse advent project to support community
Countdown the days to Christmas with The Salvation Army’s unique festive appeal running for its second year — the reverse advent calendar. Embracing the spirit of giving, the initiative focuses on filling up boxes with food and treats each day...

Countdown the days to Christmas with The Salvation Army’s unique festive appeal running for its second year — the reverse advent calendar.
Embracing the spirit of giving, the initiative focuses on filling up boxes with food and treats each day instead of taking something out as is the case with a traditional advent calendar.
Starting from today until December 10, Maryborough residents will be able to participate by collecting a box from the Salvos centre or from respective thrift stores in Avoca and St Arnaud.
“It’s just a way for our community to engage and support each other,” Maryborough Salvation Army captain Ronald Stobie said.
“What happens with these donations is that they get dropped back at The Salvation Army. And we use them for our Christmas cheer, which is where we give out food hampers, toys and stuff to our community.”
Mr Stobie said it was important to look beyond Christmas too, in setting up this appeal.
“What we try and aim to do is not only have that Christmas stuff because a majority of support agencies — food relief support agencies, they close down over Christmas as lot of these agencies are run by volunteers or supported by volunteers,” he said.
“We try to give some food in our parcels that will help people over that time as well, where places are closed down.”
There is also need for additional support this year owing to a lack of funds.
“This year is very different compared to the last couple of years, when there was more aid because of COVID. There was more money floating around and there was more access to funds. All that has dried up this year,” Mr Stobie said.
“That’s why it’s more important that we get the community on board this year. There’s less funding around but the need is higher.
“We would love as many people to help with our Christmas appeal.”
Locals can donate non-perishables items such as pasta, canned food, cereals, two minute noodles or a Christmas treat of their choice.
Last year, the Salvos received about 150 boxes filled with food. These were then distributed among around 600 people who had signed up for food assistance through the Maryborough Christmas cheer.
To pick up a reverse advent box, contact The Salvation Army on 5461-2789 or visit 27 Wills Street on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays between 9.30 am and 2 pm.
Additionally, you can also visit the centre to apply for food assistance over Christmas from November 21 to December 9.