General News
21 May, 2026
Thirty years of giving
SINCE the start of the annual Mayor’s Christmas charity campaign 30 years ago, the number of hampers given to needy families and people has tripled.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden launched the 2026 campaign, themed ‘30 years of giving’, last week at the eastern event lawn on the Cairns Esplanade, bringing together charity partners, volunteers, sponsors and community organisations involved in delivering the annual program.
Established in 1996, the charity has delivered more than 18,000 Christmas hampers to families and seniors in need.
Cr Eden said the campaign, not only celebrated the charity’s history, but recognised the growing need in the community.
“We’re celebrating 30 years. So, it’s like the golden years on the tree that you’re giving,” Cr Eden said.
“We’ve got Councillor Rob Pyne here, whose dad was one of the founding councillors who started the charity.
“So obviously acknowledging our past but acknowledging that we’re in really tough times for a lot of the families, and we’re hoping to give out a significant number of hampers again this year,” she said.
In its first year, the charity distributed 347 hampers. By 2025, the campaign had raised more than $94,000 and delivered 910 hampers.
As part of the anniversary campaign, organisations are being encouraged to buy 30 hampers each to support the initiative. Participating organisations will receive a gold star on the Mayor’s Christmas charity giving tree in recognition of their contribution.
Cr Eden said businesses and community members of all sizes were encouraged to support the charity.
“There are opportunities for businesses, if they’d like to support big or small, it doesn’t really matter,” she said.
“This year, we’re putting golden stars on the tree to really acknowledge those businesses and families that are giving.”
The campaign will culminate with the Cairns 150 Year Ball on Saturday 19 September at the eastern event lawn.
The black-tie fundraising event will be held in partnership with Underwood Party Hire and celebrate both Cairns’ sesquicentennial and the company’s 100-year milestone.
The evening will include a three-course meal featuring local produce, live entertainment, raffles and auctions, with tickets set to go on sale in July.
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