General News
15 November, 2022
No-one is left behind this Christmas
LOCAL councils have once again banded together to ensure no-one gets left behind this Christmas with the Douglas, Mareeba and Tablelands Councils all launching their respective Christmas appeals.
Each year, local council’s launch their appeals heading into Christmas and ask the community for support in the form of cash, toy or food donations.
These donations go towards less fortunate residents who may not be able to enjoy Christmas to the extent others will.
Tablelands Regional Council Mayor Rod Marti believes Christmas is a great time to consider the less fortunate in the community.
“Not everyone has money to spare, especially at Christmas time, and some just have trouble making ends meet,” he said.
“With a small donation to the Mayor’s Community Christmas Appeal, you can make a difference to people and families in need.
“Donations will be used to provide food vouchers for use in local supermarkets to people in need in our community.
“Last year 119 vouchers were distributed, valued at nearly $8000.”
You can drop cash into the donation tins at any of council’s customer service centres or deposit funds into the Tablelands Regional Council Community Christmas Appeal Gift Trust — BSB 084 512, Account Number 144 690 848 (put your name in the description).
This year for its appeal, Douglas Shire Council is working with Mossman Support Services, Mossman Elders Justice Group, Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre, Goobidi Home Care Services, Goobidi Bamanga Community Advancement Cooperative Society, Interdenominational Ministers Association and the Christian Mission Fellowship International.
Douglas Shire Council will have collection points around the shire from mid-November and will be seeking unopened children’s presents and toys for kids of all ages, as well as food and adult luxury items.
Mayor Michael Kerr said every dollar raised would go towards buying essential items for people and families who are doing it tough this festive season.
“Christmas is a really special time of the year, but it can also be a difficult period for some people in our community,” he said.
“Last year, the appeal supported more than 70 local families and individuals through Christmas hampers.
“We rely on donations to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy the festive season and the many joyful moments Christmas can bring.”
An online donation portal is available for people to donate money to the appeal, donations of $2 or more are tax deductible, go to www.trybooking.com/au/donate/douglasx-mas2022
Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin is encouraging residents to get behind the Mareeba’s appeal and donate to assist those in need.
“I know that there are many opportunities to contribute to charities throughout the year, but the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal is a chance for our local community to help our local families and to make Christmas time just a little better for those in need,” she said.
“We know that there are a number of local families and individuals facing challenges and we would like to be able to make a difference this festive season.
“I do sincerely thank you for considering this as part of your Christmas giving. If you have never donated before, I would like to ask that you consider making a small donation to the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal for the first time in 2022.”
Cash donations to the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal can be made at Mareeba Shire Council Customer Service Centre’s in Mareeba and Kuranda.
Donations can also be made by cheque and mailed to PO Box 154, Mareeba QLD 4880, make the cheque payable to ‘Mayor’s Appeal Gift Fund’.
Donations will also be accepted by direct deposit using the account details, BSB: 084-512 Account: 74-152-3490.
No food items or toys can be accepted for this appeal.
