Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto has launched the 2026 Mayor's Christmas Appeal, calling on the community to help bring hope and joy to local families doing it tough this Christmas.
This year's appeal will raise funds for North Townsville Community Hub (NOTCH), Act for Kids and St Vincent de Paul Society, with every dollar raised staying in Townsville to help local people experiencing financial hardship.
Cr Dametto said Christmas could be an especially difficult time for families already struggling with the cost of everyday essentials.
"Christmas is a magical time of year, but we know it can also bring extra pressure for families who are already finding it hard to make ends meet," Cr Dametto said.
"My goal for this year's Mayor's Christmas Appeal is simple – to help as many Townsville people and families as we can.
"We've chosen three organisations that are out there in our community every day; they know who needs help and how to get that help to them quickly.
"Whether it's food on the table, presents under the tree or help with essential items, every donation will make a real difference to someone's Christmas."
NOTCH aims to support up to 100 local families with vouchers for groceries, gifts and other essential items to help ease the pressure over Christmas.
Act for Kids will provide food hampers, essential groceries and small gifts for vulnerable families who may otherwise go without.
St Vincent de Paul Society will purchase new, age-appropriate toys for children through its Christmas hamper program, helping ensure local children do not miss out on the excitement of Christmas morning.
Cr Dametto said the appeal showed what could be achieved when the Townsville community came together.
"This is Townsville at its best – people looking out for each other and helping those who need it most," he said.
"Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will help brighten someone's Christmas.
"This year will also include my first Mayor's Christmas Charity Gala, giving us another opportunity to come together, enjoy a great night and raise much-needed funds. We'll have more details to share soon."
NOTCH CEO Sandra Elton said the local charity was delighted to be a benefactor of this year's appeal.
"NOTCH are a small local charity and neighbourhood centre, running an annual appeal to support local families to ensure they can enjoy Christmas," she said.
"Having the support of the Mayor's Christmas Appeal will boost the reach and extent of the support we can offer this year and help take the strain of raising 100 per cent of the funds off our small, already-overstretched team."
Act for Kids program coordinator Danielle Hodder said the child protection organisation was thrilled to be chosen.
"Last financial year, Act for Kids supported more than 2,800 people in Townsville through the delivery of evidence-led professional therapy and support services to children and families who have experienced or are at risk of harm," she said.
"Being part of this wonderful initiative will help us buy Christmas hampers for the families we support and make their festive season brighter."
St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland Townsville Region President Brian Headford said Christmas should be a time of joy and celebration, but for many it can be a time of isolation and financial stress.
"For decades, our Society and our Members have worked to make the festive season a more hopeful occasion for Townsville residents doing it tough," he said.
"Each year, our Society delivers hundreds of hampers full of food, toys and other gifts which are always very graciously received.
"Acts of kindness and generosity help us to build better communities. We are very thankful for the opportunity to further our community support efforts in partnership with the Townsville Mayor's Christmas Appeal."
