Spreading Christmas Cheer

The festive season is a joyous occasion, but for many people this time of year can be emotionally and financially taxing, with stress relating to family, isolation, and securing the funds to provide themselves a meaningful experience on Christmas Day.

It is paramount that people can access safe spaces to feel welcome in, so they can truly enjoy the holiday season without any pressure. If you’re feeling the pinch and doing it tough this year, read on to discover the range of free events and support services available this holiday season, so you can join your local community in celebration.

● The Neighbourhood Hub are hosting their Community Christmas Lunch on 13th December, join them at 4 George Street from 10am to 11:30am.

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● Christmas hampers are available to women and their families who have utilised the Mackay Women’s Services, sponsored by Star FM. Register to receive yours by calling (07) 4953 1788 or visit 418A Shakespeare Street.

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● NewLife Church Food Hand Up will be donating hampers to those in need. The service operates every week on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am to 11am and Fridays 9:30am to 10:30am, closed between Christmas and New Years Day. All are welcome, and people with the ability to are encouraged to donate in the leadup to the festive season.

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● Washing doesn’t take a holiday with Orange Sky Mackay, who will be operating their free laundry services on the morning of Christmas Day, from 7am to 11am at 14 Juliet Street. There will be a free breakfast available at the start of the shift, giving people the chance to get their washing done in time for lunch.

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● Speaking of lunch, Roshni Indian Restaurant will once again be hosting their seventh annual ‘No One Eats Alone’ Christmas Lunch from 11am to 1pm on 164 Victoria Street.

The team at Roshni’s are inviting everyone from the local community to enjoy the lunch with all the trimmings - including ham, prawns, rolls, salad and dessert, as well as some of your favourite Indian delicacies from their menu. They will also have a small gift for those who attend! This year they encourage anyone who would like to donate to either purchase a gift voucher from Coles or Woolies so they can make sure those who are struggling can have more than just one meal during the holiday season.

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● The Salvation Army is again proud to be the founding charity partner of The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal. This year calls on the community to support those doing it tough this festive season by dropping off a new gift under the Wishing Tree at any Kmart store, or by making a monetary contribution in-store or online. The ongoing support by the community during this time of year will make an incredible difference to the lives of so many Australians who need a helping hand this festive season.

● Stop by your local IGA store and pick up a $2 Vinnies bauble or any product with a Community Chest ticket from 8th - 25th December to give back to your local community and support families doing it tough.

● If you’re struggling to put groceries on the table, Whitsunday Foodbank is located at 14 Wood St, Mackay and is open Monday to Friday 10am till 3pm. In order to shop at the Foodbank you will require one of these cards or statuses. Centrelink Card - Seniors Card - Veterans Card - Carers Card - Disability Card etc. These cards are required by Foodbank QLD to be able to ensure they are providing cheap affordable foods to the right people. The not-for-profit organisation strives to acquire cheap food from local food distributors who have been very generous in keeping the costs down to pass savings onto the public.

● The Sarina Food Hand Up project also provides discount food parcels and assistance to families in need. It is located at Sarina’s New Life Church.

● Chances Op Shop will be providing a Christmas lunch for their homeless clients. The organisation is also arranging non-perishables for the days that Chances won’t be open to ensure our community’s most vulnerable stay fed over the holiday season. Please consider donating to this cause to support those less fortunate and if you are without a fixed abode, please visit Chances Op Shop on 7 Victoria Street for assistance, such as sleeping bags, food and other help.

● Triple M have rallied the elves to help with a toy drive for the region. Jay, Dave and the crew will collect gifts up until Wednesday 13 December, you can drop them off at Harvey Norman Mackay under the tree. The Salvation Army will collect and distribute to those in need.

● At Caneland Central there’s loads of ways to boost your shopping with good will. Grab a Christmas cake from the Lions, drop a present under the tree at Big W and see the volunteer gift wrappers to wrap your gifts for a gold coin donation for a charitable cause.

We encourage the local community to get involved and give back this Christmas, by donating items or volunteering your time to create a special memory for those who are less fortunate.

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Christmas hampers are being prepared by organisations around Mackay for Christmas Day. Photo credit: Mackay Women’s Services

The KMart Wishing Tree Appeal in Mackay was launched at Mt Pleasant Shopping Centre

Raj, Jess and daughter Lily will once again host a free Christmas lunch at their restaurant, Roshni Indian by Raj

The Triple M toy drive tree is located at Harvey Norman

Grab your Christmas Cake from the Lions at Caneland Central