Donate to ensure a merry Christmas all round

As the festive season fast approaches, local residents are asked to help spread a little Christmas cheer to those who need it most.

Mayor Bob Manning today launched the 2012 Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal, which aims to ensure the less fortunate in our community do not have to miss out on celebrating Christmas.

“There are many people in our community who are doing it tough,” Cr Manning said.

“Through this Appeal, charitable organisations join together with Council to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to local families who might not otherwise be able to celebrate Christmas Day.

“Christmas is all about giving – about celebrating what we can share with others and this Appeal is locals helping locals when they need it most.

“Thanks to the generosity of people in the Cairns region, the 2011 Appeal raised $60,000,” Cr Manning said.

“These funds were used to purchase items for 620 food hampers, which were packed and distributed by volunteers.

“This year, we are expecting the demand for assistance to be just as high, so we are hoping to replicate that amazing fundraising effort.”

Three local businesses today kick-started the 2012 Appeal with donations worth $2000.

“I would like to offer my personal thanks to Conlan Holdings and Capta Group for their generous donations of $500 each and to Cazaly’s for their $1000 contribution this morning,” Cr Manning said.

“This is in addition to Westco Motors’ $10,000 sponsorship of this year’s Carols by Candlelight, from which the funds go straight into the Christmas Cheer Appeal.

“I hope to see many other members of our business community take up the challenge to help those in our community who are doing it tough.

“We also welcome any donation – big or small – from residents. Even a few coins in a donation tin can make a big difference to someone’s Christmas.”

Make a donation online or in person at Council’s Cairns and Mossman administration buildings. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Alternatively, donation tins are located at the following local retailers:

· Portsmith Fuel - Portsmith, Edmonton, Stratford

· Mobil - Edmonton, Woree, Brinsmead, North Cairns, Yorkey's Knob, Gordonvale

· IGA - Gordonvale, Brinsmead, Centenary Park, Woree, Smithfield, Yorkey's Knob

· The Good Guys

· Brothers Leagues Club

· Pease Street Pharmacy, Brinsmead

· Marlin Coast Newsagency, Smithfield