The Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal has received welcome support from sponsors Buxton Friendship Association and Wide Bay Rehab, which made generous financial donations, and Visy Board with the donation of 500 cardboard boxes for the hampers.
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.
Wide Bay Rehab owner and physiotherapist Linda Brosnan said her team worked closely with many vulnerable people in the community and wanted to help in any way that they could.
“Our work is community based so we can see the increase in the number of people who are homeless in the area,” Linda said.
“We hope we can make a difference in someone's life by making their Christmas a little easier.
“It's great to know that the money donated is directly helping our local community.
“We hope it will reduce some financial strain for families so they can provide food for their children or allow them to purchase other items they would not be able to buy without the help of the Christmas Cheer Appeal.
“You can donate any amount you can afford, and even small donations can make a big difference.”
Buxton Friendship Association Secretary Tara Duffy said the organisation raised money for community support initiatives throughout the year, holding a range of community-based events and programs.
She said cost of living pressures affecting many in the community prompted the Association’s support of the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal.
“We believe it’s a good cause, because if we can’t support our own community, we can’t support anybody,” Tara said.
“If it gives some families some Christmas cheer, that’s what it’s all about.
“Putting a smile on someone else’s face.”
Charity partners to distribute hampers
The Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal hampers will be distributed to those in need throughout the region by charity partners Citicoast Pantry Bundaberg, the Salvation Army Bundaberg, St Vincent de Paul’s Childers, Gin Gin Neighbourhood Hub, and Childers Neighbourhood Centre.
St Vincent de Paul Childers St Joseph’s Conference President Trish Clutterbuck said cost of living increases and increasingly high rentals had had a big impact on family spending on food and necessities.
“The number of people across Queensland seeking help from St Vincent de Paul has increased by 15%,” Trish said.
“What is more is that 24% of them are reaching out to us for the first time.
“The hampers were gratefully received by our companions last year and we look forward to assisting as much as possible this year to make Christmas a little brighter for families.”
Find out more about the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal, and how the community can support the fundraising.
