Ignatius Park College supports Christmas appeal

Ignatius Park College is challenging other Townsville high schools to collect the most food and toys for this year’s Mayor’s Christmas Tree Appeal.

Last year the school collected more than 200kg of food for the appeal.

The Mayor’s Christmas Tree Appeal collects cash donations, food and gifts for about 30 organisations who will distribute to around 5,800 residents this year.

So far $30,000 cash has been raised, but many more donations of food and gifts are needed to meet the demand.

Mayor Jenny Hill praised Ignatius Park College for its efforts.

“Huge thanks to Ignatius Park College for again getting behind the appeal,” Cr Hill said.

“Participating is a great way to teach school students about the value of giving to others, especially at Christmas time.

“We really need the help of the community to reach our target and the more schools get on board, the better chance we have of raising what we need.”

School principal Michael Conn was proud the school would participate in the appeal again this year.

“At Ignatius Park, we believe a measure of any community is how that community looks after the poor and vulnerable,” Mr Conn said.

“We are fortunate enough to have students from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds and this appeal is one way we, as a community, can respond and show our support for the most needy.”

The high school with the largest contribution this year will win a marquee donated by CQU.

Cr Hill urged residents to buy a few extra items while doing their weekly grocery shop, and to drop them into the red collection bins in shopping centres, or to council’s two Customer Service Centres at Walker St and Thuringowa Drive.

“If every Townsville family added a couple of items during their weekly grocery shop and donated them to the appeal, it would go such a long way to making someone’s Christmas more joyous,” Cr Hill said.

“We know more families than ever need our help this year.”

For more information visit www.townsville.qld.gov.au