Mayor’s Christmas Tree Appeal spreads festive cheer

Nearly 4500 Townsville residents of all ages will benefit from the generosity and kindness of the community after more than $110,000 was raised for this year’s Mayor’s Christmas Tree Appeal.

An increased call for food hampers saw more than 1500 hampers packed at Food Relief NQ with the assistance of 3rd Brigade, up from 1300 in 2014, for distribution to 26 community groups.

Food and cash donations and more than 800 toys were also collected to assist those less fortunate over the Christmas period.

"Times are tough for residents and for businesses, but the success of the appeal shows that residents and the city’s business community are willing to give what they can to those in need," Mayor Jenny Hill said.

"Thanks to the appeal, we can help put food on the table for many individuals and families this festive period who otherwise couldn’t afford to."

Cr Hill wanted to especially thank Townsville RSL, Laurence Lancini Constructions, Ergon Social Light Club, Townsville Rodders and Custom Car Club and Lendlease who each contributed a significant amount to the appeal.

She also thanked Quota International Thuringowa for their assistance selling the raffle tickets for the major $10,000 cash draw.

The appeal has provided 1072 family food hampers and 486 single food hampers.

With a last minute rush of cash donations and food vouchers, a final fundraising figure of $113,000 was reached.

Recipient organisations this year are:

•  Althea Projects Inc – We Care Family Inc
•  Career Employment Australia
•  Centacare North Queensland
•  Coalition on Criminal Assault in the Home Inc
•  Coast to Country Housing Company
•  Cootharinga North Queensland
•  Family Emergency Accommodation Townsville Inc
•  Kith and Kin Association Ltd
•  Life Community Connect
•  Northreach Baptist Church
•  North Queensland Combined Women’s Services Inc
•  North Queensland Training and Community Centre
•  North Regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation
•  North Townsville Community Hub Inc
•  Ozcare – Homeless Men’s Hostel Townsville
•  Queensland Youth Services Inc
•  Sera’s Women’s Shelter Inc
•  Sharehouse Youth Accommodation Program Inc
•  St Vincent De Paul Society
•  Sun City Christian Church
•  The Salvation Army
•  Townsville Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Health Services
•  Townsville Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Women
•  Townsville Intercultural Centre Ltd
•  Uniting Care Community – Iona House
•  Yumba Meta Housing Association Ltd – Flora House