As the festive season draws closer, Cairns residents and businesses are being urged to open their hearts and wallets to help those less fortunate and spread the Christmas cheer.
Launched with a tropical flavour this morning (11 October), the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal will be aiming to match or even surpass last year’s $70,000 tally, with local businesses already pledging their support with donations.
“A number of businesses made donations at this morning’s launch, more than $20,000 in total, which sets us up for another successful fundraising campaign,” Mayor Bob Manning said.
“In particular, I’d like to thank Piccones and the FGF Group for their very generous donations of $5000 and $4000 respectively.
“We hope that other businesses will follow this wonderful lead and get behind this year’s appeal.”
Other businesses to have made pledges today include: Babinda Electrics, Trinity Petroleum, Preston Law, Outdoor Solutions, The Capta Group, Adllins Media, George Chapman, Destination Cairns, Adhesive, Hutchinson’s Builders, Heightened Security, FKG, GDA Construction, Dell Technologies, Suez, DWA Pressure Cleaning, and LDI Construction.
“I would also like to thank this year’s ‘Carols’ sponsor, the Woodward family CAPTA Group and our media partner Southern Cross Austereo.”
Council employee Stephen Dry took the opportunity to “take the shirt off the Mayor’s back” after Cr Manning offered his tropical Christmas top in exchange for a $500 donation to the appeal.
Each year, the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal raises money to pack and distribute Christmas hampers to people who are doing it tough within the Cairns community.
“While it might seem like a small gesture, the donation of a food hamper stocked with family favourites can make Christmas Day a little merrier for those who might otherwise go without,” Cr Manning said.
“We are again aiming to pack and deliver at least 700 food hampers to local residents who are in need of some festive cheer.
“We’ve had a great start to the fundraising this morning, but we still have a long way to go and every little bit helps.”
Last year the Appeal raised $70,000, with 700 hampers provided to local families, including 150 delivered to seniors.
Council works with local charities and organisations to identify residents who are in need of some festive cheer.
“Our community is fantastic at supporting each other and this appeal is a great way to show that you care about your neighbours,” Cr Manning said.
“Even a few spare coins can help to make someone’s Christmas a little brighter.
Donations to the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal can be made securely via Council’s website; over the counter at one of Council’s customer service offices with cash, credit card, cheque or money order; or by dropping some spare change in donation boxes located at various local businesses and at upcoming events. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
