“I’ve never picked up the phone to Lifeline, but if I needed to, I would want them to answer my call,” says Louise Morris of Canberra-based legal firm, Morris Legal Group.

Ms Morris was speaking at this morning’s launch of the Lifeline Canberra Christmas Giving Tree, sponsored by Morris Legal Group, at Book Lovers Lane in Fyshwick.

The Giving Tree initiative was launched in 2020 during the depths of pandemic restrictions and lockdowns, to raise funds for Lifeline’s 13 11 14 crisis support line. Since then, donations to the Giving Tree have helped to fund more than 500 crisis support calls being answered.

“Over that time, Lifeline has innovated its internal processes to answer even more calls,” Ms Morris said. “It is a privilege to support you.”

While the festive season can be a time of joy for many Australians, others experience it as a time of stress, anxiety, and loneliness, according to Lifeline Canberra CEO, Carrie-Ann Leeson. Lifeline offers support and comfort to people who feel lonely, sad, or suicidal, at Christmastime and every day of the year.

A $26 donation to the Lifeline Canberra Christmas Giving Tree at Book Lovers Lane in Fyshwick can fund one potentially life-saving call to the organisation’s 13 11 14 crisis line.

“Your donation allows us to continue our operations including the recruitment, training and ongoing support of our volunteer telephone crisis supporters,” Ms Leeson said.

Call in to Book Lovers Lane at Fyshwick Markets to decorate the Christmas trees with a $26 donation card in store, or visit lifelinecanberra.org.au to find out more about Lifeline Canberra.

If this story has raised concerns for you, help is available. Call or visit the website of Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636). In an emergency, call 000.

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