Funds flow to help Ipswich charities continue important community work
10 February 2021
Six Ipswich charities will share in almost $40,000 after money raised through the 2020 Christmas Wonderland event was tallied.
Christmas Wonderland in Nerima Gardens at Queens Park was the centrepiece of the city’s 2020 Christmas in Ipswich celebrations.
COVID Safe requirements caused council to run the event with an adapted format which included a reduced capacity, increased number of nights and the introduction of a low-cost paid ticket to facilitate 30 minute sessions, contact tracing and manage nightly attendance.
Mayor Teresa Harding said council was delighted that the 2020 Christmas Wonderland supported the community in a number of different ways.
“We know 2020 was a particularly tough year for local charities with many having to cancel important fundraising events because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mayor Harding said.
“Implementing a low-cost ticket price was an important and effective measure for council to meet its COVID Safe event requirements, but we also recognised it was a chance to give back to the community.
“We know this money will be put to good use as these organisations continue the important work they do in our community.”
A total of 13,402 people attended Christmas Wonderland over 13 nights, with $47,295 ex GST raised through ticket sales.
After ticketing and credit card fees of $8,057 were deducted, the total amount remaining for distribution among the six charity partners was $39,237.
These six charities were chosen via an open expression of interest process:
- Ipswich Hospital Foundation: supporting frontline health services, community health initiatives and helping to fund medical equipment.
- The Message of the Cross Indigenous Corporation: helping the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community overcome poverty, sickness, distress and misfortune.
- Queensland Youth and Families Support Services: supporting youth who are disadvantaged from school, family or the community to re-engage.
- Young Veterans Ipswich: helping veterans transition from service back into the general community.
- Roderick Street Community Kindergarten: not for profit kindergarten which has supported Ipswich children for more than 52 years.
- Rosewood Community Centre: supporting residents of Rosewood and surrounds through various initiatives including emergency relief, community workshops and other support services.