The combined effort of several of Bowen’s non-for-profits, and kind donations from local community, saw more than 400 residents supported with ‘Christmas Hampers’ in early December.
Facilitated by Bowen Neighbourhood Centre and Cooinda Family Centre, the annual Bowen Christmas Hamper Appeal assisted over 170 households in the Whitsundays far north this holiday season.
Bowen Neighbourhood Centre Coordinator Stephanie Cora said the support from the Bowen community and the collaboration between its non-for-profit groups was vital during Christmas, which “can be a financially difficult time of year for families with and without children”.
“On Christmas morning, most children wake up early rushing to check the Christmas tree for gifts,” Ms Cora said.
“Unfortunately for some families this isn’t the case. What can be the most joyous time of the year for many can also be a financially stressful experience for others.
“The Bowen Neighbourhood Centre and Cooinda Family Centre, as well as The Salvation Army, Chayim Community Care, and the Bowen QCWA Branch have come together to ensure every child has presents under the tree this year.”
The Appeal – which began seeking donations from the local community in November – delivers hampers of ‘Christmas goodies, biscuits, cordial, sweet treats, tinned food, vouchers, and gifts for children’ to those in need.
Over 200 children and 190 adults applied for hampers this year, with approximately 20 further ‘walk ins’ who missed the application deadline, but still received assistance with hampers because of the “generous donations from local businesses and community members in Bowen.”
A Christmas Pop-up shop – set up by Bowen’s Salvation Army Citadel for families with children - also provided further gifts, with 80 local families with 203 children selecting toys and other gifts.
Ms Cora said the provision of a further Christmas Hamper Pop-up Shop for community members to access “supports Bowen Neighbourhood Centre’s vision to always contribute towards the dignity, well-being, and quality of life of the community we support.”
Another Christmas Pop-up shop was held at the new Bowen Community Centre for singles and couples without dependent children – which 110 adults utilised, being offered vouchers, Christmas treats, toiletries, homemade Christmas cakes and even toys to select from for those with grandchildren.
Bowen Neighbourhood Centre and Cooinda Family Centre’s annual Christmas Hamper Appeal supported close to one thousand residents this holiday season
The Appeal collects donations from locals and businesses before redistributing them as gifts to those in need
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