Last year the Mayor's Christmas Cheer Appeal saw 400 hampers delivered to families in need and now community support is needed to ensure the campaign's success in 2023.
Coordinated by Bundaberg Regional Council, the 2023 Mayor's Christmas Cheer Appeal has raised $12,476.47 so far, including funds that carried over from 2022.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said the appeal was an innovative concept which saw the community rally together for residents in need.
“The Mayor's Christmas Cheer Appeal is one way we as a community can work to ensure everyone has a Merry Christmas,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“It takes the pressure off at what can be a financially stressful time of year by providing the food needed for a Christmas celebration.
“But more than that, it provides support to the charities whose volunteers and staff work tirelessly year-round to fundraise for this and many other causes.
“It shows these charities that we recognise and appreciate what they do and brings us together as a community.
“Just before the hampers are delivered in December we all come together for one big packing day which last year was such a success and a joy to be part of.”
The Salvation Army was one of several charities which joined the appeal last year and pastor Major Melissa Millard said it worked well for them in several ways.
“One, it was great to have a large amount of people from the community all get in and help toward something awesome for the community,” Melissa said.
“Two, it was wonderful to have different organisations that help at Christmas working together.
“This was a big thing.
“It can be difficult to work with various organisations and agencies that are all doing their best to help in any way they can.
“To be able to work together and put individual things aside and the greater good at the forefront was incredible to be a part of.
“Thirdly, it was good for our organisation to do things differently.
“It helped us look again at the bigger picture and see how we can work in other ways to help those in need.
“Fourth, it was a great community activity.
“People that wouldn't necessarily work together coming together and sharing stories and enjoying what they were doing really added to the Christmas spirit.”
Support Christmas Cheer Appeal 2023:
Head to the Mayor's Christmas Cheer Appeal project page to find out how you can support the 2023 fundraising effort.
Options include choosing a sponsorship package – whether it be for 100 hampers or one – holding a fundraising event or helping to pack the hampers in December.
Find out more and view the sponsorship options about the Mayor's Christmas Cheer Appeal 2023 here.
