Local charities have been busy packing hampers and spreading Christmas cheer to community members in need this festive season.
Funds raised through Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor’s Christmas Appeal, totalling $55,500, have been shared among five charity partners and two neighbourhood centres.
Council approved the distribution of funds at its Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday 26 November, with Salvation Army Bundaberg, St Vincent de Paul Bundaberg, Global Care Citicoast Pantry and Angels Community Group allocated $12,000 each.
St Vincent de Paul Childers, Childers Neighbourhood Centre and Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre were allotted $2,500 each.
Mayor Helen Blackburn joined the hamper packing efforts at Salvation Army Bundaberg and said it was evident the money raised would help a lot of people in the region.
“Now that the hampers have been prepared and are being distributed, it’s wonderful to see the tangible benefits of the fundraising,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“Local charities work hard all year long to support those in need in the community, and helping to provide that bit extra at Christmas is very rewarding.”
Salvation Army Bundaberg Major Chris Millard said the organisation had seen an increase in need this year and was preparing to distribute around 200 hampers.
“A lot more people are struggling with cost of living than before,” Chris said.
“While a lot can keep paddling and somehow managing throughout the year, saving up for Christmas is just not possible for most.
“Help with some food for a nice Christmas Day and some toys for children mean there can be something to celebrate.”
Chris said the Salvation Army were thankful for the ongoing support and generosity of the Bundaberg community.
“Knowing that everything collected stays within our community is a reminder of the power of local kindness and compassion,” he said.
“The holiday season is about coming together, sharing kindness, and supporting those in need.
“We could not do what we do without the support of the Bundaberg Mayor’s Christmas Appeal and the generosity of the local community.”
Citicoast Church Senior Pastor Joey Ryan said Citicoast Pantry would distribute over 300 hampers this year.
“The hampers are given out to people who register for hardship at our Citicoast Pantry,” Joey said.
“We also receive submissions from different services around the city like Impact Services and Edon House on behalf of their clients.
“We hope to support anyone in need this Christmas with these hampers, we say ‘it’s from our heart to your table’.”
Joey said Citicoast Church congregation members also donated funds towards the hampers, and the combined funding allowed them to reach further into the community.
“We are aware of the financial pressures this time of year and all that comes with Christmas,” she said.
“We want people in our city to feel seen and supported and these hampers do that.
“We see people tear up as they collect the hamper, knowing what it will do for their family.”
Mayor’s Christmas Appeal
The Mayor’s Christmas Appeal raises funds through donations, sponsorship and fundraising events to provide extra support at Christmas to people in need in the community.
Council partners with local charities across the region to ensure the hampers and vouchers are distributed appropriately.
While fundraising for this year’s appeal has been finalised, community can help ensure next Christmas is a little brighter by supporting the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal Caravan Raffle.
Tickets in the raffle to win a brand new caravan valued at $69,990 are on sale until Easter at Bundaberg Services Club.
There are only 1,000 tickets available, at a cost of $100 per ticket, giving participants a 1-in-1000 chance of winning.
The 2024 Mayor’s Christmas Appeal baubles are also still available for purchase at the Bundaberg Council service centre on Bourbong Street.
Find out more about the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal, and the raffle, on the appeal project page.
The Mayor’s Christmas Appeal is proudly supported by major sponsor Auswide Bank.
