CHEERY volunteers are more than a little wrap happy this Christmas.
Hundreds of dedicated volunteers are giving up their time this month to wrap gifts in return for a donation to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation.
Foundation CEO Tony Williamson underwent some wrap training this week, learning some of the intricacies of the craft.
Some volunteers use the event as a team-building exercise in their workplace, others volunteer with their family and some have moved away but every year when they come “home” for Christmas, they always volunteer at Christmas Wrap.
“Funds raised from Christmas Wrap previously have contributed to the surgical microscope, women’s ultrasound, orthopaedic surgery equipment, paediatric playground and the cardiac catheter laboratory,” Mr Williamson said.
Cairns Central Centre Manager Christie-Lee Jackson said: “Cairns Central is delighted to continue to partner with the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation for the annual charity Christmas gift wrap, which has been going for more than 15 years. We are truly overwhelmed by the generosity of the community, giving up their own time to help such a worthy local fundraiser,” Cairns Central Centre Manager Christie-Lee Jackson said.
Mr Williamson said the Foundation also announced that Stockland Cairns has joined the Foundation’s wrapping stable, of Cairns Central and DFO Cairns.
“We’ve raised just over $200, 000 from Christmas Wrap since 2001 – it’s become a Christmas institution both for wrappers and customers, and we’re thrilled it could go ahead this year.”
Mr Williamson also paid tribute to CCW Cabinet Works for their support of our gift hut at Cairns Central.
Photos: Foundation CEO Tony Williamson is joined by volunteers Tina Guite, Margaret Dorries and Karen Graham.