Mayoral function funds diverted to Christmas needy

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins, has forfeited the Mayoral Christmas function

By Latrobe City Council - 19th December 2001 - Back to News

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins, has forfeited the Mayoral Christmas function, insisting the savings would be better used to help Latrobe’s needy.

Cr Jenkins said his Mayoral predecessor, Councillor Tony Hanning, had created an excellent precedent by forfeiting the annual function in December 2000, and as the incumbent Mayor, he would continue with the principle.

Cr Jenkins announced his decision at Sunday’s Carols by Candlelight in Traralgon, encouraging the five thousand plus crowd to provide as much support to others in the community as they could afford this Christmas.

"There have been many generous donations from groups, businesses and individuals made to charities such as St Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army, who take on the role of providing support for people in need. At Christmas time there is an even greater demand for their services and they really struggle to meet the needs of those less well off in the community, who without their help would have little reason to celebrate Christmas," Cr Jenkins said.

"I ask all those who have something they can spare this Christmas to provide some additional financial help for the agencies that play a vital role in giving support to Latrobe’s needy. Your assistance can bring great joy at Christmas time to some of the literally hundreds of families in Latrobe who need support. Your support can help provide some Christmas fare for a needy family or a toy for a child who would otherwise have none.

"Our service organisations such as Lions, Apex and Rotary, have already provided fantastic support to the community this Christmas. Groups such as the motorcycle clubs taking part in the Toy Run have inspired us with their generosity. With just a few sleeps left between now and Christmas, I urge each and every one of you to give whatever you can to make somebody else’s Christmas happier.

"For many, Christmas is a time of great religious significance steeped in tradition, for others a time to welcome others into our homes to celebrate and share good will and joy. Take this special opportunity to get to know your neighbours, or someone who lives down the road. Invite them to be a part of your festivities. Chances are that you yourself will receive great joy from making their acquaintance, and you may well strike up an enduring friendship.

I wish each and every one of you a joyous Christmas and a safe and happy 2002," Cr Jenkins added.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: latrobecity@gippslander.com

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