3 minute read
"Tis the season to be jolly" - but unfortunately there are too many Queensland families facing a bleak Christmas due to the drought.
Thoroughbred Breeders Queensland and Queensland turf clubs are joining forces to spread some Christmas Cheer.
The brainchild of TBQA committee member, Erica Bates the "Christmas Cheer Appeal" is simple.
Just drop non-perishable food, toys and goods to the major race club in your area.
The items will be collected, packed into Christmas hampers and distributed to drought affected families in Central and Western Queensland.
“There are just too many suicides and too much depression in the bush,” said Erica.
“I know it’s a tough time of year for everyone, but we only need to donate one food item or one toy and it will make a huge difference.”
A similar project was conducted in NSW last year and it was a huge success with hampers being distributed to 1000 needy families.
Initial contact with School of the Air and contacts developed through TBQA Vice President Stan Johnston’s Hay Runs, has seen an overwhelmingly positive response, and more than 90 families are already on the list.
But prominent racing identity, Steve Hawkins has taken the concept one step further by ‘adopting a family’. He is liaising directly with a drought stricken family via email and providing them with a hamper tailor-made to suit their needs.
He’s calling on other businesses to do the same and provide a Christmas gift from your business or family to theirs. Steve has already enlisted 50 families and business to assist with this part of the project, and is hoping for more generosity.
So no matter what your budget at this time of year, there’s something you can do to help those less fortunate.
If you can help with donations for hampers, please drop off your goods or toys to your nearest race club by Wednesday November 26t
It’s a quick turnaround, but is needed to get to families at the School of the Air Break-up in Longreach on December 2.
If you’d like to ‘adopt a family’ and make it a little more personal, please contact Stan Johnston on craigleastud@bigpond.com.au and he will provide you with contact details of a family.
