Mayor’s Christmas Appeal helps locals in need

Noosa residents have donated cash, gift cards and gifts to the tune of around $10,000 in support of Noosa’s first Mayor’s Christmas Appeal. 

By supporting the Mayor's Christmas Appeal, the Noosa Community has raised around $10,000 to help those in need this Christmas.

Clare Stewart, Noosa Mayor, thanked the community for getting behind the initiative, which supports the work of four local charities this Christmas. 

“Noosa residents’ generosity will certainly help our terrific local charities reach more people in need this Christmas,” she said.

The Mayor also thanked local businesses for donating cash and products, despite a tough year of trading during the pandemic.

Evelyn Charles of Salvation Army Noosa said donated gift vouchers would help the Salvos give struggling Noosa families a Christmas to remember.

“The food vouchers will allow them to be able to buy food that is suitable for their family, gift vouchers will allow them to be able to buy gifts that are suitable for their family - it means they have more choice and autonomy,” she said.

Beryl Rowan of St Vincent de Paul Noosa said donated gift cards would be a help.

“We do need, always, support from the community, so that we can give back to the community, and I have to say the community in Noosa has been fantastic in supporting us all the way through this pandemic,” she said.

“Our need is always there and with Christmas coming up of course that need is further compounded.

“Christmas is a time of great cheer and celebration and we don’t want any member of our community to feel alone at such a special time of the year,” Ms Rowan said.

The appeal also supports YouTurn Youth Support and Santa’s Classy Helpers. 

Last week Santa’s Classy Helpers held a free shopping day where around 300 families in need were invited to browse, and choose items from, thousands of donated products.