Gallery: Spirit shines again as Shack launches Trees of Hope campaign
Donna and Dale Dowler and Imogene Nguyen, at the launch, have expanded the reach to help families across Southeast Queensland during the festive season.
The Trees of Hope Christmas campaign officially launched on Thursday (November 6), marking six years of extraordinary community growth that ensures everyone can celebrate at Christmas time.
What began in Nambour as a small local initiative has blossomed into a regional movement that now spans from Kingaroy to Bribie Island. Organiser Pastor Dale Dowler praised the "amazing growth" that has seen the program expand across Southeast Queensland.
"The wonderful thing about Trees of Hope over the last six years is how fast we’ve grown," Pastor Dowler told supporters at the launch.
The 2025 campaign received a significant boost with Heritage Bank returning as a major sponsor. "Just yesterday we had a phone call... and they have now come back on board.”
Coordinator Imogen Nguyen expressed gratitude for the expanding network of supporters, particularly thanking Nambour Christian Church for providing workshop space. "They jumped in and said, ‘here's a building for you to use’. So we are so grateful," she said before reserving special thanks for Sunshine Mitre 10. “Sunshine Mitre 10 is our number one supporter. Without them The Shack wouldn't be running and Trees of Hope wouldn't be running. So they're just incredible every single year. We just can't fathom how generous they are.”
Salvation Army representative Rosemary, who partners with the organisation for Christmas distribution, highlighted the collaborative spirit: "It's great for a community to be working together... we are not separated, we are together.”
How you can help
You can collect Trees of Hope hamper bags or boxes from Coast Heritage Bank branches, Sunshine Mitre 10 stores, or from the Trees of Hope workshop at 22 National Park Road Nambour (Nambour Christian Church). After filling them with items from the provided list, donations can be returned to Heritage Bank branches, Sunshine Mitre 10 stores, or The Shack in Price Street, Nambour. Contributors have until mid-December to participate.
• For information contact admin@theshacknambour.org.au.
