Mayor's Christmas Charity

The Mayor’s Christmas Charity is an annual initiative led by Mayor Amy Eden, supporting local families and senior community members who need a helping hand to make Christmas a little more festive.

For 30 years, the charity has helped ensure people across the Cairns community can experience the joy, dignity and connection that Christmas brings.

Established in 1996 by a dedicated group of community leaders, including the late former Mayor Tom Pyne, former Councillors Jeff Pezzutti and Deidre Ford, former Council CEO Terry Moore, and John Desmond Murray and Margaret Young, the charity began with a simple but powerful vision: to make Christmas brighter for those doing it tough. In its first year, the Appeal raised $35,000 and delivered 347 hampers to local families in need.

Three decades later, the need for support has grown significantly, with hamper applications increasing from 598 in 2018 to 910 in 2025.

30 Years of Giving

To celebrate this milestone, the Mayor’s Christmas Charity is launching the Giving Tree.

Businesses and organisations that contribute $3,000 to sponsor 30 Christmas hampers will receive a gold star on the Giving Tree, recognising their support during this milestone year.

How you can get involved

There are many ways to support the Mayor’s Christmas Charity:

• Donate directly to support those in need using the link below
• Attend our annual signature fundraising event
• Partner with us at events to make a greater community impact
• Sponsor 30 hampers and be recognised on the Giving Tree

Every contribution helps make Christmas brighter for people in our community who need it most.

For more information about the Mayor’s Christmas Charity or how to donate, contact the Events team at council.events@cairns.qld.gov.au.