Community
9 December, 2025
Digging deep yields 350 pressies
MORE than 350 gifts for children in need have been gathered at The Connoisseurs Luncheon Group’s final event of the year.
Organiser Glenda Hardiman said the group aimed to support the community through regular gatherings, guest speakers and fundraising.
“A great way to meet new residents at the beaches,” she said.
“The group is called the Connoisseurs Luncheon Group here in Palm Cove.”
This final luncheon of the year doubled as a Christmas celebration, with guests asked to bring gifts for children of low-income families.
Ms Hardiman said she encouraged attendees to make their donations go further.
“I’ve said to people, don’t buy a $50 truck for a boy, because if his brother gets six presents, the more excited one is the one with the six presents. If you’re going to spend $50, get a few gifts,” she said.
Support had already been strong before the event.
“I’ve had people who can’t come put money into the account, so I’ve been shopping for them and taking photos of what I’ve bought,” Ms Hardiman said.
The lunch last week featured a visit from Cairns Deputy Mayor Brett Olds, who gave a brief update on projects underway and proposals being considered.
The event then shifted gear as Ms Hardiman left the room and reappeared as a Christmas fairy, joined by Santa and his elf.
Every guest received a small gift and donations from the day will be distributed to charities supporting families doing it tough.
The Connoisseurs Luncheon Group said it appreciated the backing of attendees throughout the year, as well as support from Pullman’s staff. The lunch was at Pullman’s Temple of Taste in Palm Cove. The group has hosted speakers ranging from senior police to academics.
Ms Hardiman said one successful $50,000 fundraiser was a calendar produced in 2023 to make younger men aware of prostate cancer and to get a support group going through COUCH Cancer Hub.
