After moving from Texas to the Sunshine Coast, Jacob and Amy Staines launched a Christmas Day Beach Breakfast in 2023, serving hope with a side of pancakes to Caloundra locals in need.

The event is set to return for 2024 from 7am to 10am at Happy Valley on 25 December, but the tireless team behind the scenes needs your help.

Ms Staines said the family recognised the increasing presence of homelessness in their new community and, having left their own extended family back in the USA, wanted to help the lonely and in need at Christmas.

“Christmas Day is such a powerful day for many people, but that can be on a positive or negative spectrum,” Ms Staines said.

“We somewhat left behind our family obligations when we left Texas, so with nothing else to do on Christmas Day we figured we would serve others in need and show our kids what that meant.

“There are so many more services in Australia to help those in need than we had in Texas but there still isn’t enough – everyone deserves a beautiful meal on Christmas.”

Together with their friends at The Gathering Church Caloundra, the Staines set out to raise money for the Christmas Beach Breakfast feast and managed to secure $3500 from the local community to provide food, gifts and grocery vouchers to more than 500 people.

“Last year we had an army of volunteers, but this year so far we have less than half of the help we need signed up,” Ms Staines said.

“We have partnered with Gateway Care and will do all of our purchasing through them to make sure the money stays in the community, but we need more donations and more help.

“Happy Valley is the perfect location for the breakfast because of its size and amenities, but our dream is to hold these all over the coast and, if we can get the funding, we will grow to more than one location.”

Businesses and individuals who would like to assist can email [email protected].