Energy leaders brighten Christmas for struggling families
- kirranicolle
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE
The Salvation Army is partnering with three major energy providers – Alinta Energy, AGL and Origin Energy – to deliver practical support for families facing a difficult Christmas season.
The 2025 Light the Way collaboration marks the fourth year in a row that The Salvation Army has brought together industry partners to help families cover essential bills and provide food, gifts and emergency accommodation at a time of year that many find challenging.
Melissa Galland, First Nations and Community Manager at Alinta Energy, said the team were proud to support The Salvation Army’s efforts through the Light the Way initiative. The Alinta Energy Brand team recently spent an afternoon with The Salvation Army packing candle bags for the Carols in the Domain event in Sydney. They helped fill 8000 bags with treats and toys, sales of which will go towards helping the Salvos frontline homelessness services.
Several members of Alinta’s Marketing Team also spent a day at the Sydney City Salvos in Surry Hills, assisting staff and volunteers to support those experiencing homelessness or hardship.
“Community is really important to us at Alinta Energy – both as a company and as individuals,” Melissa said.
“Our teams love getting out there to lend a hand, whether it’s volunteering at the Sydney City Mission, packing candle bags for Carols in the Domain, or collecting gifts, clothing and grocery donations to support families in need. The Salvos make such a difference in people’s lives, and for us, it’s about standing together and helping light the way for those who need it most.”
The team at AGL Loy Yang, in regional Victoria, also recently assisted The Salvation Army by providing gift cards and filling Christmas hampers for families in the area. AGL Managing Director and CEO Damien Nicks said the team was proud to be involved.
“We’re proud to support The Salvation Army’s Light the Way campaign again this year, helping those in need – including the local communities in which we operate – this holiday season,” Damien said.
AGL have also generously matched staff donations dollar-for-dollar and offer Paid Volunteer Leave which teams have used to volunteer at the Melbourne Salvos 614 café in the CBD. They’ve also held toy drives across their offices and sites to help give joy to children and families this Christmas.
Origin Energy has also been building community partnerships to bring hope through the Light the Way campaign.
Origin has also been building community partnerships to bring hope through the Light the Way campaign, including by boosting the efforts of Jindabyne (New South Wales) local and Christmas lights enthusiast, John McLoughlin – driving donations for Light the Way, as well as bringing festive fun to the community.
Additionally, through the Origin Foundation, donations from Origin employees to registered charities like the Salvos will be matched dollar-for-dollar, through their matched giving program. Origin also offers its employees paid volunteer leave to give time and assistance to community activities, including with partners like the Salvos.
Origin’s Senior Strategic Communications Specialist Lydia Lobb said Origin was pleased to partner with The Salvation Army to provide much-needed support for Australian families through the Light the Way campaign.
“From volunteering to fundraising and matched giving, we’re boosting our support for those doing it tough through Light the Way,” Lydia said.
