Carols by Candlelight raises record amount for local charity
Published on 19 December 2024
This year’s Rockhampton Carols by Candlelight has raised a record $13,242.80 for local charity Walk’n’Talk Collective .
It’s the highest amount that the event has raised since it began several decades ago.
The money came from proceeds from ticket and candle sales as well as donations at the two near sold out concerts at the Pilbeam Theatre on 13 and 14 December.
Rockhampton Regional Council Acting General Manager Community Services John Webb said :
“$13242.80 is an outstanding result and I congratulate all those involved who helped make this happen, from the people on stage to the audience members.
“We have looked back at our records and from what we can ascertain, this is the highest amount raised for charity at Rockhampton Carols by Candlelight.
“Carols by Candlelight has a proud tradition of not only providing a great family Christmas concert but also an opportunity for people to help those in need in the local area.
“I am very pleased to say that concertgoers’ generosity will be a big help to Walk’n’Talk Collective’s community hub project.
“I would like to thank those who attended the concerts, making this donation possible, but I would also like to give a big thank you to the performers – the singers, dancers, actors and musicians – who donated their time and their skills to create such a wonderful event,” Mr Webb said.
This year’s charity recipient is Walk’n’Talk Collective, a Rockhampton community-based charity, established in June 2023 through a desire to help break down the barriers associated with mental illness and to foster community wellbeing.
The organisation’s key project is the development of a community hub for mental health support specifically for adolescent males and adults.
Chris Bennett, Co-founder / Secretary of Walk ‘n’ Talk Collective said:
“Walk’n’Talk Collective were very pleased to be this year’s charity recipient for Rockhampton Carols by Candlelight and we are ecstatic with the amount raised.
“We greatly appreciate the support of those who attended Carols by Candlelight and also those who created such a great show,” Chris said.
"At Walk’n’Talk Collective, we believe in the power of community to heal, support, and uplift. Our focus on mental health awareness and support fosters a safe space for connection, understanding, and growth. The money raised will go a long way towards helping us to create a pathway to wellness, one step at a time."
Carols by Candlelight is a Rockhampton Regional Council production supported by CQ Today, Seven Rockhampton, Triple M and other local businesses.
Caption: Acting General Manager of Communities Dept John Webb, Cr Marika Taylor, Jordan Meehan (Walk’n’Talk Collective), Chris Bennett (Walk’n’Talk Collective) and Cr Elliot Hilse.