Lifeline Loddon Mallee is calling on the local community to get behind its annual Christmas Appeal and make a difference for people in crisis.
Lifeline CEO, Lisa Renato, said that while many celebrate the festive season surrounded by family and friends, thousands in our community face loneliness, isolation and thoughts of suicide, “Lifeline Loddon Mallee operates two of the 41 Lifeline Centres nationally, answering 18,000 calls from people in crisis each year. During the festive season and particularly in the wake of the heartbreaking events at Bondi Beach over the weekend we are seeing calls surge, with Lifeline experiencing its busiest day on record, highlighting how deeply such events can affect people nationwide.” Mrs Renato said.
“Our volunteers are stepping up to provide additional volunteer hours in response to these horrific incidents and in the lead up to Christmas because we know that seeing or hearing about distressing events through news, social media, or word of mouth can cause a sense of fear or bring up past experiences.” commented Mrs Renato.
Lifeline Loddon Mallee’s Christmas Appeal will help raise funds to operate these essential crisis support services.
The locally run centres receive only limited government funding and needs to raise around 75% of operational funds to keep local services running.
Donate to Lifeline Loddon Mallee’s Christmas Appeal at www.lifelinelm.com/christmasappeal or phone (03) 5406 0506 during business hours.
Need Support? If you or someone you know needs help, call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14 for confidential crisis support.
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