Mayor’s Christmas Appeal 2009
Christmas decorations are beginning to appear in the shops, but the sight brings little enjoyment to those who have struggled to make ends meet all year and now face the bleak prospect of being unable to provide Christmas cheer for their loved ones – unless they receive a helping hand.
The 2009 Mayor’s Christmas Appeal aims to provide the Cassowary Coast community with the opportunity to ensure that everyone within the community is touched by the magic of Christmas, according to Mayor, Bill Shannon.
“Many people are experiencing difficulties for many different reasons, due to the global economic downturn, loss of employment and the diverse ramifications of the share market crisis – all these are a major influence on the household income,” Cr. Shannon observed.
“Christmas is not always a time of joy and hope for everyone, but rather a time of trepidation and uncertainty.”
“The Mayor’s Christmas Appeal provides us with an opportunity to reach out and bring joy to the lives of less fortunate people – to children, families and the elderly – and make sure Christmas is a special time for them as well.”
Cr. Shannon said the agencies and church groups which distributed Christmas hampers, food vouchers and toys to those in need, relied on the continuing generosity of the Cassowary Coast community.
“Their work is only possible due to the continued kind support of groups, organisations, firms and individuals who financially contribute to the Appeal,” he said. “The success of the Appeal directly affects the level of assistance they provide at Christmas.”
Cr. Shannon urged Cassowary Coast organisations, businesses and individuals who have supported the annual Appeal in past years, to maintain their support, despite the myriad of other causes seeking donations.
“I appreciate that someone is always appealing for some kind of financial assistance and we all have had to face difficult times, however, there are no more difficult times than now for the needy. So please, support the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal.”
Monetary donations and toys will be collected for the Appeal at the following key events, which will take place around the region in the lead-up to Christmas. Donations can also be made at the council facilities listed below.
Carols by Candlelight:
- Cardwell – 6th December
- Tully – 13th December
- Innisfail – 11th December
Street celebrations:
- Annual Charity Bike Ride – Cardwell to Innisfail, 5th December
- Cardwell Water Front Markets, 5th December
- Town-wide Christmas Shopping Spree, Innisfail, 5th December
- Mission Beach Village Green, 10th December
- Tully Street Party, 23rd December
(The Annual Charity Bike Ride will start in Cardwell and travel through Mission Beach and Tully before finishing in Innisfail, the site of the Town-wide Christmas Shopping Spree. All bikers are welcome to participate in the Ride. Contact Don Fuller on 4061 6163 for further details.)
Donations:
- Monetary donations and toys for the Appeal will be accepted at the Mission Beach Library, Cardwell Library and both the Tully and Innisfail council offices.
- Donations will also be accepted by cheques mailed to Mayor’s Christmas Appeal, PO Box 887 Innisfail 4860. Please make cheques payable to the Cassowary Coast Regional Council.