The greenery and natural ambience of the Cairns Botanic Garden provided the perfect backdrop for today's launch of the Mayor's Christmas Charity food hamper drive.
The annual appeal provides hampers for local families and senior citizens who need a helping hand during the Christmas festive period.
Last year's drive raised over $92,000 and delivered 800 food hampers to support vulnerable individuals and families during Christmas.
This year, an even more ambitious target has been set, with continuing cost of living pressures potentially pushing up demand for hampers.
"In 2025, our fundraising target is an ambitious $100,000," Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said.
"Last year's fundraising event enabled us to distribute 800 food hampers through 27 local charity agencies, reaching 37 locations across the Cairns region, adding a little festive cheer to individuals and families doing it tough during Christmas.
"There's every possibility that demand could grow and we will exceed that number this year."
The fundraising drive was kicked-off at today's launch with a $25,000 donation from Kenfrost Homes.
Coles Cairns Central has come on board again to support this worthy cause.
"Coles is passionate about supporting local communities and our Cairns stores are delighted to grow our grocery supplier partnership with the Mayor's Christmas Charity in 2025," said Coles Regional Manager Brad Stewart.
Mayor Eden also announced a new signature event for this year's charity drive, Charity in Bloom, to be held at the Cairns Botanic Gardens on 28 June.
Since 2020, Council has partnered with local businesses to stage a signature event to boost the fundraising effort.
This included the 5-Star Chefs for Charity events and last year's Sawmill Soirée at the former Rankine Sawmill.
"Together, these signature events have raised over $170,000, showing how crucial they are to our fundraising success," Mayor Eden said.
Set in lush tropical surrounds of the Botanic Gardens, the curated Charity in Bloom buffet lunch will be complemented by live jazz music and fundraising activities, including raffles and auctions.
Heightened Security has committed to be the major events sponsor in Charity in Bloom.
In another boost for the appeal, Council has partnered with the Cairns Jockey Club, as part of the Great Northern Brewing Co. Cairns Super Carnival, to be exclusive charity partner.
The progress of the Mayor's Christmas Charity food hamper drive will be measured by adding baubles to our 'Christmas Barometer', which will be on display at Council's Administration Building in Spence Street.
Tickets to the Charity in Bloom event are available from here: Charity in Bloom Long Lunch for the Mayor's Christmas Chairty Tickets, Sat, Jun 28, 2025 at 11:30 AM | Eventbrite
