Mackay Airport’s $5000 gift, hampers delight Orange Sky charity

The Mackay Airport crew delighted volunteers who say their gift will make a big difference to what will be a ‘particularly difficult time for many’ this Christmas.

Mandy Kerss and Julie Sercombe from Mackay Airports go through a hamper at the donation ceremony at Orange Sky’s premises on Juliet St on Friday, December 16, 2022. Picture: Andrew Kacimaiwai

An unexpected “Christmas gift” of $5000 will “go a long way” to helping vulnerable people doing it tough over the festive season.

The charity Orange Sky, which first opened in Mackay, was expecting hampers of personal care items during a presentation at Mackay Airport on Friday.

Orange Sky supervisor Rick Steindl said it was a “very big surprise” to also receive a $5000 cheque.

“This will help a lot of people. It will go a long way,” Mr Steindl said.

He cited new awnings and lighting for evening services that had been installed at their 14 Juliet St site at the St Vincent de Paul Society’s building as an example of work that would benefit from funding.

Mackay resident Mandy Kerss and Mackay Airport executive assistant to the CEO Julie Sercombe go through a hamper at Orange Sky centre on Juliet St, Mackay, on Friday, December 16, 2022. Picture: Andrew Kacimaiwai

Mackay Airport head of operations Adrian Miles said they were proud to support Orange Sky.

“The Christmas period can be a particularly difficult time for many, and we want to do what we can to help in a tangible way,” Mr Miles said.

“We hope our packages will make a difference for those doing it tough, and that the cash donation will help Orange Sky to continue their important services.”

Orange Sky supervisor Rick Steindl with volunteer Bev Sologenkin at the Christmas presentation ceremony on Juliet St, Mackay, on Friday, December 16, 2022. Picture: Andrew Kacimaiwai

Mr Steindl said they had noticed a big increase in demand for their services.

“We have been doing 19 washes in four hours, which is our maximum, “ he said, adding demand could be coming from engineers working night-shifts in Paget.

“There (has also) been a lot of people living in their cars and with kids, who can’t go to school because they don’t have a fixed address so they move one.”

Mackay resident Mandy Kerss with Mackay Airport executive assistant to the CEO Julie Sercombe and head of operations Adrian Miles at the presentation ceremony held at the Orange Sky centre at Juliet St, Mackay, on Friday, December 16, 2022. Picture: Andrew Kacimaiwai

Mr Steindl said these homeless families were transient in that they would move from caravan park to caravan park on a weekly basis before they had to leave the region.

Mr Miles said airport staff had collected and donated personal care items in recent weeks and also collected colouring books for families.

“These packages would not be possible each year without selfless contributions from Mackay Airport employees,” he said.

“We are a small, close-knit team and we are proud to support our community, especially the vulnerable.”