Over 500 Christmas hampers spread festive cheer to local families

The community has banded together to brighten the season for over 500 families through the Hope Hampers initiative. In an incredible effort, the Sunshine Coast community has raised enough funds to supply food, gifts, and Christmas treats to families in need this December.

More than 500 hampers, each including a handwritten card, have been put together by volunteers from The Everyday Foundation. This Nambour-based charity has been meeting people’s needs for over 20 years, offering a range of programs to support Sunshine Coast locals.

The annual Hope Hampers initiative is now in its 10th year, a time when the need is keenly felt. Hope Hampers Coordinator, Kylie Brampton, is overwhelmed by the level of community support.

Just in time for Christmas

“We’ve partnered with several organisations such as Sunshine Coast Council, Triple Zero Property, and students from Suncoast Christian College who have helped with food drives, packing, and writing Christmas cards,” Kylie said.

The hampers will be distributed next week, just in time for Christmas.
“This is our favourite part of the campaign – seeing the joy on people’s faces when they select their gifts and pick up their hampers. Many recipients note how thoughtful the hampers are,” Kylie said.

As the cost of living continues to rise, both Christmas and essentials become more difficult for families. In fact, 32% of Australians have experienced food insecurity in the past 12 months.

Christmas Day Community Lunch

In addition to Hope Hampers, The Everyday Foundation has partnered with local business Entag and the Sunshine Coast grants program to host the Christmas Day Community Lunch at the Nambour Community Centre from 12:00–2:00pm. Open to everyone, the event aims to provide a welcoming place of connection.

Throughout the year, The Everyday Foundation runs a number of programs, including a low-cost food outlet, a meal support kitchen, and emergency relief services. With a mission to help ensure no one on the Sunshine Coast goes hungry, they strive to break the cycle of poverty, affirm people’s value, and foster a future filled with hope.

• For more information: Hope Hampers – everyday.org.au/hope-hampers | Christmas Day Lunch – everyday.org.au/christmas-day-lunch | The Everyday Foundation – everyday.org.au.

Daily Bread Coordinator from The Everyday Foundation Carley Dickson and students from Suncoast Christian College who volunteered to pack hampers at Hope Hampers HQ.