2023 Red Bag Appeal exceeds goal and raises more than $112K

The recent annual Christmas Red Bag Appeal was more important than ever, with demand for support the highest Wesley Mission Queensland has ever seen. Thanks to the generosity of Queenslanders and an 11th hour appeal for more Christmas bags, we were able to support more than 3000 Queensland families and individuals and raise $112 thousand dollars. 

Requests for help were unprecedented and supplies had run thin weeks before Christmas, as our dedicated volunteers worked endlessly to give out what grocery items they had left.

A public appeal for additional support just before Christmas, saw incredible generosity.

As well as corporate and online donations, shoppers contributed via Gift Wrapping donations at Chermside Westfield and we exceeded our goal of $80,000 to reach $112,632 and provide support to more than 3000 families and individuals.

Brisbane Relief Hub Manager, Penny Morris, said the Red Bag Appeal helped spread joy and hope to many people in need during Christmas.

“The Red Bag Appeal at the Brisbane Relief Hub was a truly rewarding and heart-warming experience this year as we strived to assist as many people in need as possible.”

The queues of people requiring assistance was overwhelming and highlighted the effect that the high cost of living is having on so many people, including many who have never had to ask for help before.

“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who generously donated to the Red Bag Appeal. Your kind gift has brought happiness to countless individuals this Christmas who otherwise would have gone without.”

We are also grateful to our corporate partners Storage King Group and Buckner Brand Management, as well as our generous corporate donors, community supporters and hard-working volunteers.