The Wimmera community is being encouraged to open their hearts and wallets to give to those people struggling to make ends meet this Christmas.

For the fourth year, Horsham Sports and Community Club is again leading the Reverse Advent Calendar Project to allow the Horsham Christian Emergency Food Centre to give out food hampers to those in need.

More than 1100 hampers have been distributed in the past three years thanks to the generosity of businesses, schools, and community-minded individuals. 

The club’s marketing and community engagement manager Laura Russell said the aim this year was to add another 500 hampers to the total.

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“We kicked off this year’s campaign in late September, with the empty boxes heading out to schools, community groups, workplaces, and generous locals who know how much difference a food hamper can make during the festive season,” she said.

“The relationship continues between Horsham Sports and Community Club, 3WM, MIXX FM, and The Weekly Advertiser, Horsham Christian Emergency Food Centre and Horsham Combined Churches, and the project continues to grow — and so does the community’s kindness.”

Horsham Christian Emergency Food Centre’s Anne Mahoney said the reverse advent boxes were an enormous gift that allowed people to receive something extra this Christmas.

“We are very pleased that it started early this year because people are suffering,” she said.

People can collect the empty boxes from the club and return them to either the food centre or the club. 

“People don’t notice that extra bit if there are five, six or 20 of you at work or school – it’s no trouble for most people who are working,” she said.

Anyone wanting to assist or find out more, can contact the club on 5382 6262. 

The entire November 12, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!