At Christmas, everyone deserves to feel special, especially children. We have all seen the joy that a gift will bring to a child. it does not need to be expensive.

Christmas is the time for children, for families and for those who remember the joy of times gone by.

This is why we at the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre, Coles Supermarket Port Doulgas, The Newsport, and Radio Port Douglas, ask you to support our appeal so that everyone has a chance to enjoy Christmas.

From now until Christmas Day, bins will be available at Coles which we are asking you to fill.

Firstly, grab an extra item in your trolley and add it to a bin. Maybe a breakfast cereal, fruit cake, or even a book or DVD; it’s up to you.

The other good news is that on Saturday 8 December we will have a sausage sizzle from 9am to 2pm at Coles. The Neighbourhood Centre workers will cook up a treat. A gold coin will have your taste

buds enraptured, and you can add to the bins while you are there.

During my brief involvement with this quest I would like to acknowledge and thank the following people for their help. They are all believers.

Firstly, Megan Blacklow from the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre. Megan has a history of assisting people. She has a generous heart.

To Mike Gabour from Radio Port Douglas and the team at The Newsport who are giving their wholehearted support.

To the wonderful owners and staff at the Port Douglas Newsagency thank you for all the wonderful stocking filler gifts you have already given us.

Finally to Jason Smith, Manager of Coles thanks for your sausages, bread onions and condiments, but mostly for your enthusiasm and ideas.

All the above are community-minded people and organisations who understand that sometimes life doesn’t go your way.

So now it’s over to you - let's fill those bins and make sure those who are struggling in our region (and there are many) have a Merry Christmas!          

“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson.