From handmade decorations for hampers, messages of hope and water for volunteers, local groups and businesses are still digging deep for the Mayor's Christmas Cheer Appeal.
The continued fundraising efforts from Blanket Buddies, Bundaberg Church of Christ youth group and the Library Bar respectively join the many others which have contributed to the appeal, raising $38,214.82 for local families in need so far.
The appeal will culminate in a hamper packing day on Tuesday 12 December.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said he had been blown away by the generosity and support of the community this year.
Blanket Buddies
The talented knitters from Blanket Buddies have handmade 550 Christmas decorations for the Appeal, adding a spirit of creativity and individuality to the food hampers, which go to residents in need of support to make their Christmas special.
Blanket Buddies is a self-funded group with over 30 members who meet regularly to knit, crochet or sew blankets, scarves, beanies, toys and other items for people who need them locally, around Australia and in overseas communities.
Judy Vollmerhouse from Blanket Buddies said each crocheted or knitted gift for the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal was a handmade creation crafted by one of the group’s members throughout the year.
“Some people crochet at home, some come in once a week, we have all our wool out and they take what they need home and then they bring it back,” Judy said.
“It's a real get-together, there's lots of talking, laughing, listening to stories, finding out about families.
“If somebody’s down a bit, there’s enough people here to bring them back up.”
The group have crafted an impressive collection of colourful items which they make each Christmas to give to children and aged care home residents, and Judy said they were happy to donate to the appeal for the first time this year.
“Last year, we gave out over 2,000 in four nights (at Bethlehem Live),” Judy said.
“We give them hearts, stars, bells, little bells, little angels, they're all in there.”
Honey for Hope
Bundaberg Church of Christ youth group ‘180 On Twyford’ has kindly contributed the money they’ve raised as part of the Sweet Hope Honey project which, in its second year of successful fundraising, has raised over $1,600 from sales of donated honey.
Pastor Evan Trebbin said last year the group used the funds raised to buy toys for children in the community, and this year they decided to donate the proceeds to the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal to help families in Bundaberg.
“The youth are pleased that the proceeds are going to be going to families and particularly children that are doing it tough this Christmas, which was the main aim of the project,” he said.
Hamper packing day
As the appeal draws to a close for another year, Council, community members and charity volunteers will come together on Tuesday 12 December to pack the hampers in a marathon effort that will see 500 boxes prepared for charities to distribute over the coming weeks.
To help keep the volunteers hydrated throughout the packing session, local business Library Bar has generously donated over 150 bottles of water to aid the volunteers in their thirsty work.
Mayor Dempsey said more than 60 people had registered to help pack the hampers.
“We are going to have a terrific time packing the hampers, and making sure they are distributed to our charity partners for delivery to residents in time for Christmas,” he said.
Find out more about the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal, and how to purchase a collectable bauble to support the fundraising.
