The spirit of Christmas generosity is rolling through Canberra's streets as the beloved Pack the Bus campaign returns for its sixth year, with organisers setting an ambitious target of 15,000 donated items to support local families doing it tough.
Building on Last Year's Success
The campaign kicks off with strong momentum after Canberrans demonstrated remarkable generosity in 2024, donating an impressive 13,000 items ranging from essential canned food to brand new bicycles. This year's effort represents a significant increase in ambition as community needs continue to grow.
From Monday through to December 12, a specially designated Transport Canberra bus will traverse the city daily between 9am and 4pm, serving as a mobile collection point for community donations. The festive vehicle will visit numerous public locations, registered schools, and participating businesses across the capital.
How to Locate Your Nearest Donation Point
Residents looking to contribute can easily track the bus's movements through an interactive map available at www.mix106.com.au. The campaign welcomes donations of new gifts and non-perishable food items, all of which will be distributed to families through Communities at Work in time for Christmas celebrations.
This heartwarming initiative represents a collaboration between MIX 106.3, Transport Canberra, and Communities at Work - three organisations united in their mission to ensure no Canberra family misses out on Christmas joy.
Addressing Growing Community Need
Communities at Work CEO Lesley Jordan emphasised the critical importance of the campaign during the holiday season. "Christmas is a wonderful time for many of us but it's also the hardest time for those facing financial hardship," she said.
"Parents want to give their children the same excitement and magic that every child deserves at this time of year. They want this to be a special, memorable time with gifts under the Christmas tree and Christmas fare on the table."
Ms Jordan explained the profound impact of donations: "When families visit our Christmas room, they take home food and presents that they have selected and that you have donated. They go from feeling stressed and worried about Christmas to being seen and being valued. You put a smile back on their faces."
The campaign was officially launched in Gungahlin on Thursday with a special appearance from Santa, signalling the start of the Christmas giving season.
Community Spirit in Action
Emily Moss, General Manager of amplifyCBR, the company operating MIX106.3 and HIT104.7, expressed pride in Canberra's ongoing generosity. "Our role remains simple: to rally our community, inspire generosity and support families doing it tough this festive season," she said.
"The Canberra region always shows up and we are proud to play a part in helping that generosity shine."
The launch event saw key figures from all participating organisations come together, including MIX 106.3's Kristen Davidson and Nige Johnson, Transport Canberra Bus Operations executive branch manager Ian McGlinn, and Communities at Work CEO Lesley Jordan.
With nearly three weeks of collection ahead, organisers are confident that Canberra's community spirit will once again shine through, helping to pack the bus beyond its 15,000-item target and spread Christmas cheer to families across the city.
