A tidy one million dollars is the target set for this year’s Canberra Day Appeal, the Capital Region’s largest annual fundraising drive.

Hosted by Hands Across Canberra, the ACT’s independent community foundation, the Canberra Day Appeal invites local residents to ‘give where they live’. The funds raised through the annual Appeal support 360 local charities and community organisations and the tens of thousands of people they work with in the ACT region.

Launched today by Hands Across Canberra CEO Peter Gordon at the Spence Grocer, the Appeal continues until Canberra Day, Monday 11 March.

“Canberrans are among the most giving in the nation, but a majority of donations made by Canberrans go to worthy causes outside the Territory,” Mr Gordon said.

“With our Canberra Day Appeal, we want to highlight the exceptional work our local charitable organisations do each and every day; the need that exists right here in our community; and encourage those who can to ‘give where they live’ and help our charities continue to make a difference in the lives of so many,” he said.

“There are hundreds of charities here in the ACT helping families and individuals secure housing, get a healthy meal, receive the support needed to leave a dangerous living situation, access health care, keep their beloved pet with them, get legal advice and even be able to afford to properly lay a loved one to rest – to name just a few.

“The breadth of need is vast, and has been further impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, and our charities are there for so many and in so many ways.

“This is our chance to get behind our local charities. The funds raised through the Canberra Day Appeal will help them continue to help those in need.

“Matched funds will make donations made during the Canberra Day Appeal go even further,” he said.

Mr Gordon said local charitable organisations will hold fundraising activities throughout the month – such as morning teas, raffles and online campaigns – to provide fun ways for people to get involved and donate. As part of the Appeal, The Friendly Grocer at Spence will create a limited edition burger to raise funds for one of its favourite local charities, Rainbow Paws.

Just before Canberra Day, the Appeal will ramp up with the ‘Hands Up for Canberra Giving Day’ on 6 and 7 March – a 48-hour fundraising frenzy to drive as many donations as possible.

Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run

For the first time this year, the ACT Government will hold the inaugural Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run as part of the Enlighten Festival, with proceeds going to the Appeal.

“We hope Canberrans will join us on Canberra Day for a 2km, 5km or 10km run or walk before enjoying a day of music, food and family-friendly entertainment at Commonwealth Park from 10am to 5pm,” Mr Gordon said.

Tickets will be available soon.

Mr Gordon urged Canberrans to get behind the Canberra Day Appeal.

“You can donate to one charity close to your heart, enter the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run, or donate to Hands Across Canberra and we will ensure your donation goes to supporting the 360 local charities and community organisations in our network.”

Donations can be made via canberraday.org.au; all donations $2 and over are tax deductible.