Local charities are preparing to deliver Christmas hampers to people in need in the region as part of the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal.
Citicoast Pantry Bundaberg has joined the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul’s Childers, Gin Gin Neighbourhood Hub and Childers Neighbourhood Centre as the charities distributing the hampers.
Citicoast Pantry Bundaberg’s Joey Ryan said the organisation was excited to partner with the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal.
“It means we can go further, we can reach further and wider, more than we usually can on our own,” she said.
“And I love that, the community of Bundaberg and the entities gathering together to be able to reach and help as many people as we can this Christmas.
“All year around we run low-cost food for people but at Christmas time we know we need to step that up to meet people’s needs here in Bundaberg.”
The Salvation Army Bundaberg is returning as a charity partner and representative Major Chris Millard said they were able to service the community better when working with the Appeal.
“The amazing thing about the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal is actually getting the major charities in town to work together, to try and do the most amount of good we can with the most amount of resources,” he said.
“We found that when we were all doing it individually, we were all silos and the great thing about the Mayor’s Appeal is that it’s a way to make sure we are helping the most people in the most effective way, instead of people being missed or people being overserviced.”
Chris encouraged residents who needed support this Christmas to reach out to any of the charity partners and ask for help.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said the Appeal aimed to support the charities who worked at the frontline of support services.
“We have many great community organisations and churches doing magnificent things every day of the year,” he said.
“The Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal is a way to give them a little bit of relief during the Christmas period while still providing support to people in our community who need it.
“Every cent donated goes towards helping people in the Bundaberg Region, and a little bit of assistance goes a long way.”
Collectable bauble launched
The 2023 collectable Christmas bauble, designed by Council, sponsored by Sunshine Mitre 10 and Community Lifestyle Support’s MAKI Print workshop who craft the decorations, is part of a collectable series.
It is available for purchase for $10, with all proceeds going toward the Appeal and the provision of hampers.
Salvation Army Major Chris said the baubles were a wonderful opportunity for people in the community to be involved and support the Appeal.
“Instead of trying to think of a gift to buy someone that you don’t really know what to buy, buy them some of these,” he said.
“It’s a great way for people to be able to join us.”
The 2023 Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal bauble is now available from Council’s Bundaberg Administration Centre at 190 Bourbong Street.
Anyone who would like to order the bauble for collection from other Council Service Centres can call 1300 883 699 or email engagement@bundaberg.qld.gov.au.
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.
To date this year, the appeal has raised over $30,000, with the ambitious aim to raise $50,000 which would fund the provision of 500 hampers.
Find out more about the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal, and how the community can get involved or hold an event.
