774 ABC Melbourne and ABC Local Radio Victoria are calling on people to share the spirit of the festive season by making a donation to their ‘Giving Tree’.

From Wednesday (1 December) until Christmas Eve, there will Giving Tree boxes in ABC stations, ABC shops and some ABC centres around Victoria. Donated gifts will be collected and distributed by Rotary International to under privileged families and individuals of all ages around Victoria. Last year, more than 8000 quality presents were donated and, this year, the goal is 10 000.

ABC Local Radio Victorian Manager, Ian Mannix, says: “The 3LO Giving Tree was one of the first Victorian Christmas campaigns, designed to encourage people to donate gifts to people living in poverty. It has collected tens of thousands of gifts over recent years.

“Rotary clubs throughout Melbourne play a big part in distributing the gifts to organisations such as The Salvation Army, Melbourne Citymission, Hanover Welfare Services and others.

“ABC Local Radio listeners have always given generously to our community, raising $56 000 for Make a Wish Foundation, $100 000 for Rotary’s Bali Appeal and, this year, thousands have volunteered to help community groups through the ‘Get Involved’ campaign.”

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is also supporting Giving Tree through a very special Symphony of Angels concert, which will be hosted by 774 ABC Melbourne’s drive presenter, Virginia Trioli, on Sunday 12 December at the Arts Centre, Hamer Hall. Those attending are invited to bring along a gift and place it under the tree.

Presents should be unwrapped, not perishable and preferably new. New gifts give people a chance to step out of the ‘welfare, second best, cheapest’ reality, even if it is only briefly.