Some 1600 children with special needs or living in disadvantaged circumstances were given the ultimate Christmas cheer in Townsville on Saturday.
Local schools, hospitals and charity groups were sent invitations to the Townsville Special Children's Christmas Party which featured free ice cream, presents and rides thanks to donations from local businesses and volunteers.
The party has run every year since 1991 with more than 38,000 children invited over the years.
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Organiser Annemarie Hodson said COVID was still impacting how they could hold the party but families of the children that attended always spoke of their appreciation and enjoyment.
"...but the wellbeing of these children and their families and carers is paramount," she said.
She praised the continued generosity of all the local businesses supporting the party (many of whom do so every year) and emphasised that, although the party lasts only a few hours, for the children and their families the memories last forever.
"This year has still been pretty tough for local businesses, and we have still had such amazing support from them, which has allowed us to run the party again this year," she said.
"We are so grateful to all of our supporters for their continuing faith and generosity this year."
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