Byron Cares: Fletcher Street Cottage Launches 2025 Christmas Appeal
As the festive season approaches, Fletcher Street Cottage has launched its 2025 Byron Cares Christmas Appeal, calling on the community to support locals facing financial stress, hardship and social isolation. For many in the Byron Shire, Christmas is a time of joy, connection and celebration. For others, it is a period marked by uncertainty, loneliness and crisis.
The Christmas Appeal aims to raise essential funds to keep Fletcher Street Cottage open and fully staffed across the Christmas and New Year period, and to provide meals, emergency relief, housing support and festive care for individuals and families doing it tough in our community.
Damian Farrell, Manager at Fletcher Street Cottage, said:
“Christmas can be an incredibly difficult time for the people we support. Your donation helps us stay open, offer warm meals, provide housing support and give people a place to feel safe. It shows those who are struggling that their community has not forgotten them.”
This year’s appeal also includes The Giving Guide – a practical wishlist of 12 essential items that directly support people experiencing hardship. From tents and sleeping bags to sanitary items and water bottles, donors can select an item that provides practical help and dignity during the summer season.
Fletcher Street Cottage continues to be a vital support hub for vulnerable community members. The service offers daily meals, showers and laundry access, personalised casework, advocacy and referrals, along with 25 visiting specialist services including medical care, legal aid, counselling and financial support.
Bec Robinson, Relationships Manager at Byron Community Centre, added:
“The Byron Cares Appeal reminds us that support does not pause for Christmas. Every contribution helps ensure Fletcher Street Cottage can provide care, connection and relief at a time when many people feel most alone. It helps to make people feel that they belong.”
Fletcher Street Cottage remains committed to providing wraparound support for those in need, but the demand for services continues to grow. Community generosity plays a crucial role in sustaining this work through the holiday season and into the new year.
There will be a special Christmas Breakfast for service users on the morning of Christmas Eve with donated gifts, fun games and festive spirit for those who are struggling or alone during the festive season.
By donating to the Byron Cares Christmas for All Appeal, supporters help provide warm meals, access to showers and laundry, crisis assistance, housing support and small festive touches that bring comfort and hope to local individuals and families.
Donate today and help ensure no one is left behind this Christmas: www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au
Holiday Season Services
Fletcher Street Cottage will remain open Tuesday to Friday throughout the holiday period, except on public holidays. Learn more at: www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au
The Giving Guide 2025: Fletcher Street Cottage
Tents - Provide essential shelter for those sleeping rough.
Backpacks - Carry belongings securely and comfortably.
Tarpaulins - Versatile protection against the elements.
Head Torches - Lighting for safety and convenience.
Sleeping Bags – Ensure comfort for sleeping.
Beach Towels – Useful for drying off and an extra layer.
Water Bottles – Reusable, durable bottles to stay hydrated.
Raincoats – Essential for staying dry during wet weather.
Repair Kits – For bicycle punctures and tent repairs.
Yoga Mat – A mat to sit or sleep on for cushioning and protection.
Toiletry Bags – Soap, toothpaste and sanitary items.
Hats or Caps – Offer protection from the sun.
Drop off new or unused gifts at the Fletcher Street Cottage reception at 18 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay between 7am to 12pm, Tuesday to Friday until December 24th.
Christmas Hamper Appeal - All Families Adopted
All families have now been adopted in this year’s Christmas Hamper Appeal, thanks to the incredible generosity of our community. Each hamper, valued at approximately $100, includes children’s toys, food and gift vouchers to help ease financial pressure and bring joy to families during the holidays.
The Kindness Tree
This Christmas, visit the Kindness Tree in the Byron Community Centre foyer and leave a message of hope for someone doing it tough. Locals, visitors and families are invited to write a note of care or encouragement - a simple way to show that no one is forgotten, and that Byron cares. Open until 19 December.
About Byron Community Centre
The Byron Community Centre is an independent not for profit organisation that provides essential services inclusive activities and inspiring events for locals and visitors. For more information please see www.byroncentre.com.au.