A Tasmanian Christmas fundraiser has reached a record-breaking total of $390,206.40 this year.
The ABC Giving Tree announced its final tally this afternoon, with trustee Samantha Stayner revealing two substantial anonymous donations that pushed the appeal to new heights.
A $50,000 donation and a $10,000 donation were delivered in recent weeks..
Stayner said donations big and small came thick and fast.
“It doesn’t matter the amount because they all add up to a very big tally,” she told Local Radio.
“We’ve never had anything quite like it.”
The figure far surpasses tallies for previous years and secures vital support for vulnerable Tasmanians.
The appeal supports 16 charity partners working across Tasmania, from King Island to south of Hobart and along the east and west coasts.
All funds raised stay within Tasmania to help people in need at Christmas.
Much of the money has already been distributed this week to ensure it reaches people before Christmas.
Charity partners will use the funds to organise food hampers, Christmas gifts and vouchers for families struggling with cost of living pressures.
The ABC Giving Tree has operated for 37 years since beginning in 1988 with toy donations under a Christmas tree at ABC Radio Hobart.
Partners include Anglicare, Home Base, Hobart City Mission, Launceston City Mission, Mission Australia, St Vincent de Paul, The Salvation Army, Uniting Tasmania and Tassie Mums, among others.
All donations above $2 are tax-deductible, with the ABC keeping none of the funds raised.
