21 December 2010

The University of Queensland Gatton Helping Hand Fund has the gift of giving all wrapped up this holiday season with donations being made to The Salvation Army and Blue Care.

The UQ Gatton Helping Hand Fund is funded by the contributions made by staff members through their fortnightly pay. These funds are then generously used to support staff, charities and those in need.

Elaine Horrocks from Blue Care, Lockyer accepted a cheque for $500 at a morning tea held at the Gatton Campus.

“We are most thankful for the generosity of the staff at UQ Gatton," Ms Horrocks said.

"Blue Care is most grateful for government funding to provide care services to frail aged and people with a disability.

“However, the funding does not fully cover all costs associated with the service delivery.

“It is through donations such as this one that Blue Care can continue providing assistance to so many clients across the Lockyer Valley.”

A cheque for $500 from the UQ Gatton Helping Hand Fund and a Christmas hamper was also presented to the Salvation Army.

The Distance Education Centre organised the annual Salvation Army Christmas hamper which includes donations from the staff of non-perishable food, gifts for adults and toys for kids.

This is the sixth year the Gatton Campus has been involved with the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal which assists more than 300,000 people during the Christmas period.

The Gatton branch of the Salvation Army is delivering these gifts to disadvantaged families in the Lockyer Valley so they too can experience a joyous Christmas in these hard economic times.