I  rise to congratulate  three  organisations in  my electorate that  are currently  conducting  Christmas appeals:  Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service has a  bridging  the  gap appeal, Knox Infolink has its Share  the Joy Christmas appeal  and Anglicare Victoria  is holding the Lilydale Christmas of  Hope appeal. Christmas is a time of  sunshine, happiness, precious time with  family and friends and the  joy of giving and receiving. But for some people in our  community  it  is  a  time  of loneliness, financial hardship and personal  difficulties. These three  appeals are calling  for donations of food, money, gift vouchers  and toys.  A hamper  of festive food and quality gifts for the kids will make a huge difference to families and individuals in need.

I  want to particularly  highlight  the Knox  Infolink  Share the Joy  Christmas appeal.

Knox  Infolink is coordinating the appeal, but it is  a  true  partnership  with several churches  and  organisations: Raft  Anglican  Church, Mountain  District Vineyard Church, Rowville Baptist Church, Boronia Rotary Club, the Lions Club of Rowville,  Knox  Infolink,  the  Salvation  Army  in  Rowville,  the Seventh-day Adventist  Church  in Wantirna, Hillview Community Church and Highway  Christian Church. This is a great community partnership, which is making a huge difference in the city of Knox. Thank  you  and  congratulations  to  all the organisations involved in this local appeal. They are operating right through until Christmas, and I  encourage  local residents,  if they  are able,  to make  a donation  for struggling families who really need our support at this time of the year — as I encourage  members and staff to make a donation to the appeal in  the Parliament which is organised by St Peter’s Church.