More than 60 volunteers packed 500 hampers for local families in need this festive season which were distributed through charities as part of the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal.

The community hamper packing day was undertaken on Tuesday 12 December at the Bundaberg Recreation Precinct.

The hampers were filled to the brim with Christmas day essentials for breakfast, lunch and dinner plus extras – from custard and jam to snacks and candy canes – all decorated with a handmade Christmas decoration courtesy of local group Blanket Buddies.

Volunteers were aged two to 80-plus and all worked together to make short work of packing the hampers.

Mayor Jack Dempsey said the generosity of the community was incredible from the individuals and businesses who had sponsored the appeal to the dozens of volunteers who joined the packing effort.

“The spirit of Christmas is certainly alive and well and it’s in the smiles and the hampers that are being prepared here today for 500 families in need,” Mayor Dempsey said.

This year the number of hampers provided increased by 200, with 300 provided last year.

“Big thank you to all the volunteers – our youngsters and our young at heart – here, helping out and understanding the importance of giving at Christmas.

“What will happen, at the end of the day, is the Christmas appeal will be able to facilitate, take a little bit of pressure off our charities during the Christmas period and they’ll be able to come here, pick them up and go out to those families and individuals needing a hamper this Christmas.

“It’s a wonderful occasion – there’s a lot of joy in everyone’s heart.”

In what was a jump of 200 additional hampers on last year, the 2023 Mayor's Christmas Cheer Appeal saw 500 hampers packed

Volunteer Kim Gidall said she was enjoying her second year of packing hampers.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Kim said. “Bundaberg is a wonderful city, I love Bundaberg.

“At the moment people have been doing it a bit rough and this is a way that – other than giving financially – this is a way I can actually give back my time to the community.

“I think if everyone gave back a little bit of time to the community it would be an even better community.”

St Vincent de Paul Childers St Joseph’s Conference President Trish Clutterbuck attended the day representing one of the local charities distributing the hampers.

“It’s wonderful to see all of the people coming together from all agencies – and none – to support everyone,” Trish said.

“I love the comradery of the place. It’s very good.”

She said there had been a jump in the number of local people seeking help this year.

“We have chosen the recipients; some people phone in or come in, others we have a list of people we’ve assisted throughout the year and quite a number of them when we do give them assistance they ask can they get a hamper at Christmas time.

“They are always very grateful.

“We’ve had some people who have had assistance who can come back and help in the future which is nice.”

Find out more about the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal and register to stay up to date with plans for 2024 at the project page.

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.

From handmade decorations for hampers, messages of hope and water for volunteers, local groups and businesses are still digging deep for the Mayor's Christmas Cheer Appeal.

The continued fundraising efforts from Blanket Buddies, Bundaberg Church of Christ youth group and the Library Bar respectively join the many others which have contributed to the appeal, raising $38,214.82 for local families in need so far. The appeal will culminate in a hamper packing day on Tuesday 12 December.

Mayor Jack Dempsey said he had been blown away by the generosity and support of the community this year.

Blanket Buddies

The talented knitters from Blanket Buddies have handmade 550 Christmas decorations for the Appeal, adding a spirit of creativity and individuality to the food hampers, which go to residents in need of support to make their Christmas special.

Blanket Buddies is a self-funded group with over 30 members who meet regularly to knit, crochet or sew blankets, scarves, beanies, toys and other items for people who need them locally, around Australia and in overseas communities.

Judy Vollmerhouse from Blanket Buddies said each crocheted or knitted gift for the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal was a handmade creation crafted by one of the group’s members throughout the year.

“Some people crochet at home, some come in once a week, we have all our wool out and they take what they need home and then they bring it back,” Judy said.

“It's a real get-together, there's lots of talking, laughing, listening to stories, finding out about families.

“If somebody’s down a bit, there’s enough people here to bring them back up.”

The group have crafted an impressive collection of colourful items which they make each Christmas to give to children and aged care home residents, and Judy said they were happy to donate to the appeal for the first time this year.

“Last year, we gave out over 2,000 in four nights (at Bethlehem Live),” Judy said.

“We give them hearts, stars, bells, little bells, little angels, they're all in there.”

Honey for Hope

Mayor Jack Dempsey with members of the Church of Christ youth group 180 on Twyford. Photo: contributed.

Bundaberg Church of Christ youth group ‘180 On Twyford’ has kindly contributed the money they’ve raised as part of the Sweet Hope Honey project which, in its second year of successful fundraising, has raised over $1,600 from sales of donated honey.

Pastor Evan Trebbin said last year the group used the funds raised to buy toys for children in the community, and this year they decided to donate the proceeds to the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal to help families in Bundaberg.

“The youth are pleased that the proceeds are going to be going to families and particularly children that are doing it tough this Christmas, which was the main aim of the project,” he said.

Hamper packing day

As the appeal draws to a close for another year, Council, community members and charity volunteers will come together on Tuesday 12 December to pack the hampers in a marathon effort that will see 500 boxes prepared for charities to distribute over the coming weeks.

To help keep the volunteers hydrated throughout the packing session, local business Library Bar has generously donated over 150 bottles of water to aid the volunteers in their thirsty work.

Mayor Dempsey said more than 60 people had registered to help pack the hampers.

“We are going to have a terrific time packing the hampers, and making sure they are distributed to our charity partners for delivery to residents in time for Christmas,” he said.

Find out more about the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal, and how to purchase a collectable bauble to support the fundraising.

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.

Bundaberg Regional Council has joined sponsors and the community to boost the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal in an effort to provide 500 food hampers to residents in need this Christmas.

Council voted at its Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday 28 November to donate $10,000 to the appeal.

With new bronze sponsor Enterprise and Training Company also joining the funding drive and a generous donation from Inner Wheel Bundaberg Sunset, the fundraising tally is nudging closer to $50,000.

Mayor Jack Dempsey said it wasn’t too late for more sponsors and donors to come on board.

“We increased the goal to 500 hampers, as we know from our supporting charities that there is more demand for their services this year,” he said.

“The charities have been working throughout the year to support the community and through the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal, we are able to assist them at this busy time of year.

“I encourage everyone to give if they can, whether it’s buying a collectable Christmas bauble for $10 or making a donation or becoming a business sponsor.”

Bronze sponsor Enterprise and Training Company Operations Manager Marissa Austin said the team wanted to support the Mayor's Christmas Cheer Appeal to help bring smiles and hope to others.

“As this is our second year of operation in Bundaberg, we want to be a part of the community spirit, growth and foster deep relationships for years to come,” Marissa said.

“Christmas is a time of family, reflection and community spirit.

“It’s a time we recognise and support all people and bring hope to those around us who are going through challenging times ensuring they feel and know, they are not forgotten.

“My hope is that the families feel heard, supported and loved.”

Mayor Dempsey said over 60 people had already registered to help pack the hampers, which will be happening at the Recreational Precinct on Tuesday 12 December.

“We are going to have a terrific time packing the hampers, and making sure they are distributed to our charity partners for delivery to residents in time for Christmas,” he said.

Find out more about the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal, and how the community can support the fundraising.

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.

Community members looking for extra support this festive season can register with a selection of local charities to receive a Christmas hamper.

Created from funds raised as part of the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal, Christmas hampers offer a selection of food for those in need of a helping hand over the holidays.

To date this year, the appeal has raised over $35,000, with the aim of raising $50,000 to fund the provision of 500 hampers.

Local charities Citicoast Pantry Bundaberg, the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul’s Childers have joined the Gin Gin and Childers Neighbourhood Centres to register families and distribute hampers.

Community members can nominate themselves or other families by either contacting the participating charities directly or by downloading or collecting a form and submitting it to the Childers or Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre.

Citicoast Pantry Bundaberg: 07 4303 0200

The Salvation Army: 07 4151 3014

St. Vincent de Paul’s Childers: 07 5459 5230

Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre: 07 4130 4630, download a form here.

Childers Neighbourhood Centre: 07 4130 4690, download a form here.

To find out more about the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal and how to get involved by becoming a sponsor or donor, click here.

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.

The Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal has gained an extra shine with two bronze sponsors, The Optical Superstore Bundaberg and Dons Fort Packing, donating $1,000 each to the fundraising initiative.

Business support of the Appeal has been a major boost to this year’s fundraising campaign, which raises funds to provide food hampers for local residents in need of a helping hand to make their Christmas special.

First time Bronze sponsors Dons Fort Packing owners Lachlan and Annaleise Donovan said supporting families and the community through the Appeal was important to their family-based business.

“It's something that I've always wanted to do,” Annaleise said.

“Christmas to us is a time of celebration and love, but unfortunately some people don't have the finances or the family around them.

“It's a big family thing for us and I'd like someone else to feel that.

“We support charities all around Australia, but I like the ones that are at home because you know that they are staying at home, helping people in your area.”

Annaleise encouraged anyone considering donating to the Appeal to do what they coiuld.

“Every little bit, doesn't matter if it's a big donation or a small donation, every little bit helps somebody along the line and can just make them feel that they can celebrate like everyone else,” she said.

Returning bronze sponsors, The Optical Superstore Bundaberg owners Karen and Andy Christiansen said they embraced the idea of giving back to the community where they grew up.

“Since we began the practice 15 years ago the Bundaberg community has been extremely supportive of our business,” Karen said.

“The Christmas period is a perfect opportunity to say thank you in return.

“Many people we know and don't know are doing it very tough.

“We hope the funds raised go toward those that need it the most, in particular children and young families.

“Personally, it makes us feel good about it, knowing in some small way we are helping our community.”

Mayor Jack Dempsey said he encouraged other businesses to get involved, either as sponsors or by holding a fundraising event.

“We are so grateful for the businesses that have contributed to the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal, helping to brighten the Christmas of residents in need,” he said.

“Council, businesses, charities and the community coming together to support the appeal is a great way to reach as many people as possible.”

The hampers will be distributed to those in need throughout the region by Citicoast Pantry Bundaberg, the Salvation Army Bundaberg, St Vincent de Paul’s Childers, Gin Gin Neighbourhood Hub, and Childers Neighbourhood Centre.

Find out more about the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal, and how businesses and the community can get involved, on the project page.

Read the Bundaberg Now story here.

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.”

The 2023 Mayor's Christmas Cheer Appeal collectable bauble. Photo: Natasha Harth.

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.

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.

Shift Automotive’s annual charity car and bike run will this year support the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal, with the organisers hoping it will be their biggest gathering yet.

Now in its fourth year, the event sees car and bike enthusiasts from across the region unite to appreciate remarkable vehicles and raise money for a good cause.

Shift Automotive owners Kirstin and Brad Trimble said they felt privileged to contribute to such a meaningful cause.

“During our charity run, we're beyond grateful to raise funds for Christmas assistance while engaging the community in a fun activity that many enjoy,” Kirstin said.

“We've selected the Mayor's Christmas Appeal to ensure that our community directly benefits from the funds and donations.

“This appeal raises money to create food hampers, bringing joy to local residents who could use some extra support during the holiday season.”

Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Jack Dempsey said he was delighted Shift Automotive had decided to donate the proceeds from their charity run to the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal this year.

“It’s fantastic to see the region’s car and bike enthusiasts getting together to raise funds for people in the community who need help this Christmas,” he said.

“This will be a wonderful community event, and the funds raised for the appeal will help us reach even more people who are in need.”

Shift Automotive Christmas Charity Car and Bike Run

The charity car and bike run will be held on Sunday 10 December, with cruise attendees gathering at 7 am at Shift Automotive, 1 Turner Street, Bundaberg.

Participants will then follow the cruising course out to Bargara and across to Elliott Heads to meet at around 8 am on the foreshore where there will be raffles, prize draws, food vans, an ice cream truck and more.

Kirstin said there was no need for participants to pre-register, and they can join the run either at the beginning, or on the Elliott Heads foreshore at the end.

“Everyone is welcome, regardless of their vehicle's show worthiness, and donations are optional,” she said.

“This year, we're thrilled to generate funds through the sale of raffle tickets.

“We have an incredible lineup of prizes generously donated by local businesses, ready to be won!”

There will also be prizes for the best Christmas themed person, car, and bike.

For more information on the car and bike run, check the event Facebook page or contact Shift Automotive on 4196 0730.

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.

Find out more about the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal, and how the community can get involved or hold an event.

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here

Fundraising for the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal is well underway, with sponsors Sweet Potatoes Australia and Bundaberg Services Club the first to come on board, along with returning sponsors Sunshine Mitre 10 and MAKI Print.

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.

More local business sponsors are sought to join the appeal, which this year has an ambitious aim of increasing the number of hampers provided to 500.

Last year Sweet Potatoes Australia supported the appeal with an in-kind donation and Bundaberg Services Club sold baubles, but this year both have increased their support with a bronze level cash sponsorship.

As a first-time bronze sponsor, Sweet Potatoes Australia General Manager Claire Maslen said the company was happy to support the appeal and help bring smiles to people’s faces.

“The last few years have been challenging for the general public with the cost-of-living crisis and also for growers with costs increasing and I feel that it is important to recognise this and give back to our community where we can,” Claire said.

“If we all give a little, the community as a whole will have a great festive period and we can all help lift the spirits in challenging times.”

Bundaberg Services Club General Manager Jodie Harris said they were pleased to join with Council to provide help to the people who needed it.

“As a community club, we love to get behind anything we can support that helps the community,” Jodie said.

“We have upped our ante for sponsorship this year because we believe that there’s a lot more people needing help in Bundaberg, and this is a great way to get that help to them.”

Collectable Christmas bauble

The community can support the appeal by purchasing a collectable Christmas bauble which each year features a unique design.

The bauble creation is sponsored by Sunshine Mitre 10 who has generously donated the materials for the baubles, and by Community Lifestyle Support’s MAKI Print workshop who make the baubles and support the appeal with a donation of their time.

MAKI Print’s Jenni Miners said the appeal was an opportunity for businesses within the region to contribute to a feeling of Christmas magic within the community.

“We understand how far a little help and a supportive community can go towards creating a positive connection that has ripples throughout the community,” Jenni said.

“It feels amazing to know you have helped in some way.”

Sunshine Mitre 10 Retail Manager Laurence Moidin said the Mayor's Christmas Cheer Appeal was a great initiative to assist families facing challenges at Christmas.

“The appeal spreads joy and keeps the Christmas spirit there for these families by easing the financial strain that tends to come at this time of year,” Laurence said.

“This is an excellent opportunity to assist our local community and it's a great platform for local businesses to be recognised as being a part of.”

Mayor Jack Dempsey thanked everyone already involved in supporting the 2023 Christmas Cheer Appeal which, to date, has raised more than $18,000.

“The Bundaberg Region has such a caring and generous community spirit,” he said.

“We are very grateful for the donations that have come in and the sponsors who have come on board so far.

“I would encourage everyone to consider contributing to the appeal to help us reach even more people in our community who are in need this year.”

Sponsorship packages that provide funding for a number of hampers are available and range from an investment of $100+GST for one hamper up to $10,000+GST for Platinum sponsorship providing 100 hampers.

In-kind sponsorship from agri-businesses, food retailers and other business is also an option for organisations that would like to donate more than 500 of an item for inclusion in the hampers.

Local businesses and community members can also support the appeal by making a donation or holding a fundraiser.

To become a sponsor or find out how to contribute to the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal see more information here.

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.

The Mayor's Christmas Cheer Appeal raises funds to make food hampers for local residents who need a helping hand to help make their Christmas special.

Local businesses and the community can support the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal by becoming a sponsor, supplying goods, making a donation, holding a fundraiser or by helping to pack hampers.

Holding a fundraiser can be as simple as running a “Free Dress Day” at your business, organisation or school, through to a Christmas pudding drive or even a Gala Ball.

Council can help support fundraisers for the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal through marketing advice and publicity.

Community members can volunteer to help pack the hampers on Tuesday 12 December at the Main Pavilion, Bundaberg Recreational Precinct.

Individuals can also support the appeal by purchasing the unique 2023 Christmas bauble, on sale for $10 from late October at Council Service Centres and events, or by contacting Council.

Sponsorship packages that provide funding for a number of hampers are available and range from an investment of $100+GST for one hamper up to $10,000+GST for Platinum sponsorship providing 100 hampers.

In-kind sponsorship from agri-businesses, food retailers and other business is also an option for organisations that would like to donate more than 500 of an item for inclusion in the hampers.

This year’s sponsors and further information about the appeal can be found at ourbundabergregion.com.au/christmas-cheer-appeal.

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.

The Bundaberg Region 2022 bauble is now available, raising vital funds to create hampers for local families in need as part of the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal.

Just over $7 from every Bundaberg Region 2022 bauble sold will be donated to the appeal, with a new bauble design to be launched every year.

Mayor Jack Dempsey said the baubles had proven popular last year and were set to become collector’s items.

“The Bundaberg Region Christmas baubles are a lasting memory of the generosity of our community in coming together and helping each other,” Mayor Dempsey said.

“Every year when you hang it on your tree you will be reminded of the joy you have given to others.

“A Christmas lunch with loved ones is a treasured memory and the funds raised for the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal hampers help to ensure every single member of our community can enjoy one this year.

“Council is helping to facilitate the fundraising of Christmas hampers on behalf of the community groups who offer wonderful support to our community year-round.

“We’re not just helping to spread Christmas cheer to families in need, we’re showing these hardworking charities how much we appreciate all they do.”

The creation of the Bundaberg Region 2022 bauble was a community collaboration with Bundaberg Regional Council submitting the design to Community Lifestyle Support’s MAKI Print workshop for creation and the plywood material donated by Sunshine Mitre 10 Bundaberg.

The Bundaberg Region 2022 baubles also feature a thank you message on the back.

Mayor Jack Dempsey thanked everyone involved in supporting the Christmas Cheer Appeal which, to date, has already raised more than $15,000.

“From the charities themselves to local service clubs, community groups and businesses, we have received an outpouring of support.

“We certainly are lucky to live in such a caring and generous community.”

The Bundaberg Region 2022 baubles are available for purchase for $10 from the Bundaberg Regional Council service centre on Bourbong Street with more stockists coming soon.

Any local businesses wishing to stock the baubles and help raise funds for the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal can contact Council on 1300 883 699 or complete the form on the fundraising project page.

Find out more about the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal and other ways to donate here.