Cairns to Cape brings Christmas to the top end
The Lakes Church Cairns Pastor Geoff Snook said that members of the Church collected and packed goods for the hampers as part of the annual Cairns to Cape project.
“This is the third year we have delivered the project, partnering with The Lakes Church and Children, Youth and Families Cairns office to deliver goods to families and children under foster and kinship care who COFC is supporting in the Cape,” Pastor Snook said.
“Access to the Cape becomes quite isolated, particularly during the wet season when major roads are cut due to flooding. Food and essential items are typically delivered via road freight across dirt roads or sea freight, both of which are unreliable, time consuming and often cause damage to the goods.
“We were thrilled to partner with East Air, who donated the costs of freight to deliver the hampers this year. The packages included a full Christmas ham that was packed in freezer bags and transported through refrigerated storage on the flight.
“It’s wonderful to help to spread a little bit of Christmas cheer to families and children under our care.
Pastor Snook said that the 2022 donation went to families in Kowanyama, Pormpuraaw, Lockhart River, Aurukun, Weipa, Mapoon, and Napranu as a way to strengthen connections between the major centre of Cairns and the towns throughout the Cape York Peninsular.
“Last year we also collected and delivered 31 hampers, with more children in care and the rising cost of living, we have seen an increased need for additional support, particularly at this time of year,” Pastor Snook said.
“In addition to the Christmas hams, the hampers included non-perishable items as well as some festive treats and gifts to help make Christmas a little more special for our foster and kinship families.
“A number of people and agencies in each community met the plane, stored the hampers and assisted with Christmas Party arrangements."
Thank you to Churches of Christ staff, Kowanyama Council, Kowanyama State School, RAATSICC Pormpur Paanth Aboriginal Corporation, carers in each community and Weipa Bowls Club for your tireless efforts in collecting, packing and delivering these special hampers. It was a big task but we’re so grateful to be able to contribute and support the true meaning of Christmas this season.
The hampers were delivered throughout December by CYF staff, to ensure all families and children under care received the goods in time for Christmas.