Gold Coasters encouraged to dig deep this festive season

Gold Coasters are encouraged to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate this festive season as part of the Mayor’s 2019 Christmas Appeal.

Mayor Tom Tate today revealed the beneficiaries of the 2019 Mayor’s Christmas appeal and urged all Gold Coasters to get behind the initiative.

“I’m pleased to announce local charity and support groups Friends with Dignity and Paradise Kids as beneficiaries of the 2019 Mayor’s Christmas appeal,” he said.

“Christmas is a busy and exciting time for most, but it can also be a difficult period for those who are less fortunate.

“Residents can contribute to the appeal by donating unwrapped gifts such as toys, books, art supplies, movie vouchers, gift cards, electronic goods, and games at the locations provided on our website.

“Please dig deep – with your generous contributions we can help spread Christmas cheer to those who need it most.”

Paradise Kids founder Deirdre Hanna said the organisation supports children after they have experienced trauma.

“Paradise Kids is so grateful to be a beneficiary of the Mayor's 2019 Christmas Appeal. The toys and donations brighten up the lives of our vulnerable children who are dealing with divorce, death of a parent or sibling, domestic violence or their own life limiting illness,” she said.

“The Mayor's continued support and the generous contributions from the community mean the world to our children when they receive their gifts on Christmas Eve.” 

Friends with Dignity Chief Operations Officer Zoe Scharenguivel said the Gold Coast based charity provides support to victims of domestic and family violence. 

“Christmas can be a very challenging time of year for families who are living in refuge and the generous support from the Gold Coast community ensures we are able to provide the families with presents to open on Christmas Day and put a smile on children’s faces.”        

“The charity is volunteer driven and is reliant on donations of new and pre-loved items from the community to help transform the lives of men, women and children needing to start a new life.”

Collection centres for donations include Council Chambers at Surfers Paradise and Southport, Bundall, Palm Beach and Upper Coomera Customer Service Centres, and Runaway Bay and Elanora libraries.

To find out more information on the 2019 Mayor’s Christmas Appeal and which gifts are appropriate, visit: www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/christmasappeal.