Toowoomba charity Tony’s Community Kitchen brings back roadside fruit market ahead of Christmas rush

A Toowoomba charity has brought back its popular roadside fruit market ahead of the Christmas rush. Here’s how you can get the best fresh produce, and support an amazing cause.

Tony's Community Kitchen volunteer Alison Hunter loves selling mangoes. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Everyone loves fresh fruit like mangoes and watermelon around Christmas, so why not support a good cause while you’re grabbing your supply?

Tony’s Community Kitchen has brought back its popular roadside fruit market this year, with produce available every day on the New England Highway at Blue Mountain Heights until Christmas Eve.

Co-ordinator Tony Hurle said the volunteer-run market not only helped cover the charity’s running costs but also helped support its nightly barbecue that fed more than 2200 people every night.

He said the support from residents had been overwhelming.

“People know it’s for a good cause and represents supporting people in the community,” he said.

“They know we go back there every night, so it’s wonderful to think the community is behind us.

“The week of Christmas alone we get upwards of 2000 people coming to buy fruit — we’re hoping to raise a few thousand dollars just from that one week.”

The market will feature everyone’s favourite Christmas fruits, including cherries, lychees, mangoes, watermelon and a variety of stone fruit.

Both cash and card will be accepted.

To donate to the charity, head online to tonyscommunity.org.au.