Sibling artists donate artwork to support Appeal – Bundaberg Now

Artists and siblings Cher’nee, Brooke and Jesse Sutton have donated three of their artworks to show their support for the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal.

The paintings, Pintjamu (The Sun), Ngamai (To Hunt) and Wani-Wani Watina (To Swim Side by Side), were auctioned at the Mayor’s Beach Ball in August, with the proceeds of the auction helping to provide support to locals in need of extra help during the festive season.

The creative family said having the opportunity to give back to the community at Christmas was really special.

“It is the season of giving so it’s a fantastic time to help out and try and do our part to help people in the community,” Brooke said.

“It’s really, really special to us that people were willing to give money for an artwork that we created for such a special event.”

Cher’nee said supporting charitable causes like the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal was very important to their family.

“We’ve given back to community in Bundaberg a lot of times before, but this is the first time we donated to that specific event,” Cher’nee said.

“It’s an amazing cause and it’s something that we all need to help out with, so I definitely would encourage people to either donate time or money or whatever it is they can to help out.

“Something that I’ve always said since I’ve first started painting was imagine our world if everyone just gave a little something, it would be a much, much better place.”

The Mayor’s Christmas Appeal raises funds to be distributed by charity partners to provide hampers, vouchers and gifts to residents in need at Christmas.

Mayor Helen Blackburn said the generosity of sponsors and donors had increased, as had the number of people in need in the community.

“So far this year the appeal has raised just over $50,000, which will allow us to help 500 people or families in the community,” she said.

“We know cost of living pressures continue to affect many people, and I am very grateful to our donors and sponsors, like the wonderful Sutton family, for their generous support.”

Mayor’s Christmas Appeal sponsorship packages are available at bronze, silver, gold and platinum levels, which offer a range of incentives in return for supporting the appeal.

Community members and business can also donate at Family Hamper level, a contribution of $100 that assists one family in the region.

Charities partnering with the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal include the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Bundaberg, St Vincent de Paul Childers, Angels Community Group and Citicoast Pantry, in addition to the Council-run Childers and Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centres.

For more information about how to donate, see the project page here, and download the sponsorship proposal here.