Fundraising for the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal is well underway, with sponsors Sweet Potatoes Australia and Bundaberg Services Club the first to come on board, along with returning sponsors Sunshine Mitre 10 and MAKI Print.
The Mayor's Christmas Cheer Appeal raises funds to provide food hampers for local residents in need of a helping hand to make their Christmas special.
More local business sponsors are sought to join the appeal, which this year has an ambitious aim of increasing the number of hampers provided to 500.
Last year Sweet Potatoes Australia supported the appeal with an in-kind donation and Bundaberg Services Club sold baubles, but this year both have increased their support with a bronze level cash sponsorship.
As a first-time bronze sponsor, Sweet Potatoes Australia General Manager Claire Maslen said the company was happy to support the appeal and help bring smiles to people’s faces.
“The last few years have been challenging for the general public with the cost-of-living crisis and also for growers with costs increasing and I feel that it is important to recognise this and give back to our community where we can,” Claire said.
“If we all give a little, the community as a whole will have a great festive period and we can all help lift the spirits in challenging times.”
Bundaberg Services Club General Manager Jodie Harris said they were pleased to join with Council to provide help to the people who needed it.
“As a community club, we love to get behind anything we can support that helps the community,” Jodie said.
“We have upped our ante for sponsorship this year because we believe that there’s a lot more people needing help in Bundaberg, and this is a great way to get that help to them.”
Collectable Christmas bauble
The community can support the appeal by purchasing a collectable Christmas bauble which each year features a unique design.
The bauble creation is sponsored by Sunshine Mitre 10 who has generously donated the materials for the baubles, and by Community Lifestyle Support’s MAKI Print workshop who make the baubles and support the appeal with a donation of their time.
MAKI Print’s Jenni Miners said the appeal was an opportunity for businesses within the region to contribute to a feeling of Christmas magic within the community.
“We understand how far a little help and a supportive community can go towards creating a positive connection that has ripples throughout the community,” Jenni said.
“It feels amazing to know you have helped in some way.”
Sunshine Mitre 10 Retail Manager Laurence Moidin said the Mayor's Christmas Cheer Appeal was a great initiative to assist families facing challenges at Christmas.
“The appeal spreads joy and keeps the Christmas spirit there for these families by easing the financial strain that tends to come at this time of year,” Laurence said.
“This is an excellent opportunity to assist our local community and it's a great platform for local businesses to be recognised as being a part of.”
Mayor Jack Dempsey thanked everyone already involved in supporting the 2023 Christmas Cheer Appeal which, to date, has raised more than $18,000.
“The Bundaberg Region has such a caring and generous community spirit,” he said.
“We are very grateful for the donations that have come in and the sponsors who have come on board so far.
“I would encourage everyone to consider contributing to the appeal to help us reach even more people in our community who are in need this year.”
Sponsorship packages that provide funding for a number of hampers are available and range from an investment of $100+GST for one hamper up to $10,000+GST for Platinum sponsorship providing 100 hampers.
In-kind sponsorship from agri-businesses, food retailers and other business is also an option for organisations that would like to donate more than 500 of an item for inclusion in the hampers.
Local businesses and community members can also support the appeal by making a donation or holding a fundraiser.
To become a sponsor or find out how to contribute to the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal see more information here.
