General News
24 December, 2022
Food hampers deliver Christmas spirit
CHRISTMAS will be a little brighter for hundreds of local families doing it tough, thanks to the generosity of the Cairns community.
The 2022 Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal has raised over $60,000 this year to provide 750 food hampers to families, the elderly, carers and other residents who might otherwise go without on Christmas Day.
This includes more than $52,000 raised at the 5-Star Chefs for Charity gala dinner and $8,000 from generous members of the Cairns community.
Mayor Bob Manning praised Cairns’ businesses and community members for their ongoing support of the appeal.
“Every year, residents dig deep to help their neighbours in need,” Cr Manning said.
“This year, hampers will be distributed not only to those in our community facing financial difficulties, but also those who have experienced emotional trauma due to the hardships felt this year.
“For many of these people, festive merriment is probably the furthest thing from their mind, but I am sure a Christmas hamper will go a long way to lift their spirits.
“It will remind them that they are part of a caring community,” he said.
At the Fred Moule Pavilion in the Cairns Showgrounds, volunteers packed 750 food hampers, ready for distribution by local charities and support agencies.
“My personal thanks go to the 100-plus volunteers who have put up their hands to help prepare, pack and deliver these hampers to people in our community, as well as Rotary, officers and sailors from the HMAS Cairns, Northern Pride, Heightened Security, and a host of other local businesses who are helping to pack and deliver these hampers throughout the city,” Cr Manning said.
“A special mention to Sonny Samuel for his ongoing support in coordinating the delivery of the hampers to the relevant agencies.”
Cr Manning said the fundraising effort would not have been possible without the support of local businesses and, of course, the community’s generosity.
“The Christmas season is all about giving, and there are so many generous people in our community who put this into practice,” he said.
“In particular, a big thanks to the Hilton Cairns, Pullman Cairns International, Shangri-La and the Pullman Reef Casino for their ongoing participation in the charity dinner.
“I would like to also acknowledge our media partners for the in-kind services and support, as well as Tropic Spirit Catering for their ongoing contributions.”
“To everyone who has contributed to the appeal in any way, we thank you for your generosity and wish you a very merry Christmas,” Cr Manning said.
