Support Mayor’s Appeal to help those in need this Christmas

The Mayor’s Christmas Appeal needs your support to help local charities reach those in need this festive season.

Picture for Christmas Appeal media release

Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart is calling on the community to support the 2021 Mayor’s Christmas Appeal, which will help local charities reach more people in need in Noosa this Christmas.

“With your support we can help to ensure that families that face going without this Christmas have food on the table and presents under the tree,” Mayor Clare Stewart said.

“Gift cards, vouchers for local businesses, and presents, are all gratefully accepted as part of this year’s appeal,” the Mayor said.

Donations can be dropped off at Council’s Tewantin Chambers – 9 Pelican Street – and Tewantin-Noosa RSL Club on Memorial Avenue.

St Vincent de Paul Society Noosa spokeswoman Beryl Rowan said Noosa’s housing crisis had hit many people hard in 2021, including a mother and her two children who spent months couch surfing, despite a flawless rental history.

“They had to move out and couldn’t find housing. She was couch surfing with her children for nine months,” Ms Rowan said.

“We’ve met other families sleeping in cars. There are loads of families that are struggling this year because of the housing affordability crisis so we will be packing hampers full of good cheer and delivering them wherever we can.

“Nobody should miss out and we will do the best we can to make sure that everyone has a wonderful Christmas.

“It’s amazing to have the Mayor’s support with this appeal,” Ms Rowan said.

The Appeal supports St Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army Noosa, Santa’s Classy Helpers, SunnyKids and Youturn Youth Support.

Youturn’s Haig Deere, Manager Homelessness, said after such a tough year, families really appreciate the small things like community kindness.

“It’s so hard to ask for help, but sometimes overwhelmingly special when you get it at your most vulnerable time,” he said.

“Christmas can be a particularly difficult time with a dinner or a day out simply not possible, and the giving and receiving of gifts is often an unaffordable luxury.”

Mayor Stewart urged everyone who was able, to donate a gift card or present by December 18, 2021.

“By working together we can make this Christmas one that residents who have been doing it tough this year, can look back on fondly,” the Mayor said.

For more on the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal, visit Council’s website.

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