b'Stepping up for mentalGiving the greatest health awarenessgift: a fresh startFor the 4th year running, the MelbourneFor thousands of families across Victoria and Firefighters Stair Climb raised money for ourTasmania, the festive season is a time of instability. Lifeline services. Over the years, more than 600Our Christmas appeal helps provide gifts and food firefighters have stepped up to fight depression,for individuals, children and families in their time PTSI and suicide by climbing the 28 floors of theof need.Crown Metropol Hotel wearing full turnout gearThis year, the Christmas Share Appeal raised over and breathing apparatus. $500,000 to help people in crisis. This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, theOur impact included:emergency services community invited supporters to join the climb virtually and collectively climb An increase in charity Christmas cards sales, a million steps for mental health, whether it wasprimarily due to new designs and more people climbing steps at home, the office or in a localusing the cards to stay connected in times of park. A total of $230,343 was raised, with $103,343uncertainty and isolation donated to Lifeline Melbourne, which we operate.Collaboration with Food For Families, the ABCs Giving Tree in Hobart, 3BA Christmas Pancakes help warm hearts Appeal in Ballarat, and local Go Fundraise Pancake Dayor Shrove Tuesdayis the date topages to buy gifts to distribute in their areasuse up luxury foods in the pantry before starting Partnership between the UnitingCare Network Lent. Traditionally, this includes flour, eggs andand Target to raise $55,000 in support of dairywhich, combined, make delicious pancakes.families in crisis.Since 2002, congregations, community groups, schools and workplaces have hosted pancake events that make a difference.Find out moreThis year, these events were heavily impactedby COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Regardless,we still had 55 participating congregations, schools and community groups - helping toraise nearly $15,000.Funds raised from Pancake Day help some ofthe most vulnerable and marginalised peoplein our communities.Thanks to the support of Pancake Day participants, we can help families in crisis to access basic essentials, people experiencing homelessness to find permanent accommodation, people living with a disability to find work and older people to live independently.Uniting Vic.Tas Annual Report 2020-2021 61'