For 45 days, volunteers set up two wrapping stations inside the shopping centre, offering beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts in exchange for a gold coin donation. While each contribution may seem small, the collective effort has resulted in a substantial impact.
This year, the funds raised will be distributed across three key beneficiaries: BMA CQ Rescue ($52,000), QRAT ($10,000), and Ronald McDonald House ($2,000). The generosity of shoppers, combined with the dedication of volunteers, has ensured that these essential services continue to support those in need.
Caneland Central marketing manager Lianne Gee expressed pride in being part of this initiative.
"We look forward to it every year.
“What better way to celebrate the festive season than to have charity literally at the heart of what we do."
BMA CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee was astonished to hear about the $52,000 donation to the emergency helicopter service. In recognition of their contributions, BMA CQ Rescue will now display the ESA Alpha Rho logo alongside major partners on their new AW139 helicopters.
"We can’t thank ESA Alpha Rho enough for what they do for us.
“We rely on community support so that we can continue to save lives. This contribution is appreciated by all of us at BMA CQ Rescue.
“We want ESA to know that they are valued, and we see how hard they work year in and year out.
“What better acknowledgement than to adorn the helicopter with their logo," said Healee.
The statistics behind the gift-wrapping effort roll out beyond measures!
Over 112 volunteers gave their time, making it the most successful year yet. Volunteers spent a combined 450 hours at the wrapping stations, ensuring that at least 11,200 gifts were beautifully wrapped.
It is estimated that around 16 to 18 kilometres of wrapping paper was used, along with a staggering 24,000 meters of sticky tape!
Volunteers begin preparing months in advance, handcrafting decorative bows and preparing supplies to ensure the smooth running of the initiative. A portion of the funds raised is reinvested to cover the costs of wrapping materials for the following year.
QRAT volunteer Paul Crowe highlighted the significance of ESA Alpha Rho’s support.
"We run solely on community donations, and by far, these ladies have been one of our biggest supporters," he said.
"Their donations have been ongoing, and they allow us to continue providing essential support, including the search for missing persons."
Mr Crowe even offered to hug each volunteer individually as a heart-warming representation of his thanks.
Toni-Maree Ernst from the Neighbourhood Hub also shared how the funding will benefit the organisation, as well as the broader community.
"The funding will go a long way in boosting our supplies for hygiene products and essential food items for our vulnerable community members.
“The Neighbourhood Hub has been established for over 33 years - we are a not-for-profit organisation with two locations, one on George Street and the other on Shakespeare Street."
BMA CQ Rescue representative Tegan Philpott praised ESA Alpha Rho’s ongoing generosity.
"It’s absolutely phenomenal - who would have thought that you could raise so much money from wrapping Christmas presents?"
She emphasised the financial demands of running the rescue service.
"We have to find $6 million every year within the community to be able to fly, and to say that over $50,000 came from a Christmas gift wrapping exercise is just amazing."
ESA Alpha Rho volunteer Bonnie Spratt finds great fulfillment in what she does despite the significant amount of work that goes into it.
"That’s just what you do…because you're helping somebody less fortunate," she said.
"To see the smiles on little kids' faces when you're wrapping presents for their mum and dad…it's just wonderful. I just love it."
ESA Alpha Rho raised $72,000 for local charities through their Christmas gift wrapping stations at Caneland Central, with funds benefiting BMA CQ Rescue, QRAT, and Ronald McDonald House. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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