A local non-for-profit, with a focus on providing practical and compassionate support to individuals and families in the Townsville community facing financial hardship, will headline the 2025 Mayor's Christmas Appeal.
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said she was thrilled to announce the 2025 Appeal would highlight the amazing work of Northreach Community Care Ltd and help contribute to helping hundreds of families doing it tough over the festive season.
"Given the calibre of amazing community organisations and non-for-profits that call our region home, the decision wasn't made lightly," Cr Greaney said.
"But I am thrilled to announce that from a very competitive field, Northreach Community Care Ltd will be the recipient of this year's Appeal, so I really encourage our community to get behind this year's appeal and the fantastic organisation and work that they provide."
Northreach Community Care Ltd is a registered charity established in 2016 by one of the oldest churches in Townsville – the Northreach Baptist Church. The primary operation of the charity is to provide safe accommodation services, alongside local food relief services to those in need.
Northreach Church Administrator Andrew Adams said Northreach Community Care was honoured to be named the headlining charity of the 2025 appeal.
"There are some amazing charities out there, and the great thing about Townsville is a lot of us work together really well – and while we're really honoured to be nominated, we're just one of many charities trying to fill the gaps, especially over this Christmas period," Mr Adams said.
"We help 30-40 families with food relief each week – and that definitely grows over the Christmas period quite significantly."
Northreach Community Life Pastor Pierre Joubert said the Mayor's Christmas Appeal would help the charity increase their ability to help the community over the Christmas period.
"We see the need in the community, and we want to respond to the need, so by having this extra support from the Mayor's Christmas Appeal - it enables us to provide care to those who are in need, so it's really encouraging that we can do more with even more resources," Mr Joubert said.
"Community is everything, we even have people who have previously come in for that food relief and housing assistance that have since gotten back on their feet and are volunteers today
"This will help us extend that assistance beyond the Christmas break, because while this time of year can be tough, people are doing it tough all year round - so it's vital we're able to help where we can."
Councillor Greaney encouraged Townsville residents with the ability to do so, to donate to assist those in need during the Christmas period.
"We know the festive season can be extremely isolating to those in need, so if you can, we'd love any support people can offer by a cash donation, or even a goods donation to Northreach Community Care directly," Cr Greaney said.
Donations to the Mayor's Christmas Appeal can be made directly, via the Mayor's Christmas Appeal Website, or direct goods donations can be made to Northreach Community Care at their Canterbury Road property in Kirwan.
To make a donation to the 2025 Mayor's Christmas Appeal, visit the Mayor's Christmas Appeal
