General News
13 May, 2025
Blooming good appeal
AN ambitious target of $100,000 and a new signature event heralds the launch of the 2025 Mayor’s Christmas Charity food hamper drive.
The annual appeal provides hampers for local families and senior citizens who need a helping hand during the Christmas festive period.
Last year’s drive raised over $92,000 and delivered 800 food hampers to support vulnerable individuals and families during Christmas.
“In 2025, our fundraising target is an ambitious $100,000,” Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said.
“Last year’s fundraising event enabled us to distribute 800 food hampers through 27 local charity agencies, reaching 37 locations across the Cairns region, adding a little festive cheer to individuals and families doing it tough during Christmas,” she said.
“There’s every possibility that demand could grow and we will exceed that number this year.”
The fundraising drive was kicked-off at last week’s launch with a $25,000 donation from Kenfrost Homes.
Coles Cairns Central has come on board again to support this worthy cause.
“Coles is passionate about supporting local communities and our Cairns stores are delighted to grow our grocery supplier partnership with the Mayor’s Christmas Charity in 2025,” said Coles regional banager Brad Stewart.
Cr Eden said a new signature event for this year’s charity drive, Charity in Bloom, would be held at the Cairns Botanic Gardens on June 28.
Since 2020, the council has partnered with local businesses to stage a signature event to boost the fundraising effort.
This included the 5-Star Chefs for Charity events and last year’s Sawmill Soirée at the former Rankine Sawmill.
“Together, these signature events have raised over $170,000, showing how crucial they are to our fundraising success,” Cr Eden said.
The curated Charity in Bloom buffet lunch will include live jazz music and raffles and auctions.
Heightened Security is the major events sponsor of Charity in Bloom.
As well, the council has partnered with the Cairns Jockey Club, as part of the Great Northern Brewing Co. Cairns Super Carnival, to be exclusive charity partner.
Tickets to the Charity in Bloom event are available from here: https://bit.ly/4mkxszR
