National cancer charity Redkite predicts financial assistance for children and young people affected by cancer will be in higher demand this holiday season due to rising travel and living costs.

These findings come as Coles launches a national Christmas campaign to raise funds for Redkite to help provide financial and emotional support to children and young people with cancer and their families.

From now until Boxing Day, shoppers can purchase a $2 Redkite donation card at Coles in Mount Isa — with 100 per cent of proceeds going to Redkite.

Customers can also help make Christmas sweeter by purchasing a $1 Coles gingerbread man, with 20 cents from every sale going directly to Redkite until Christmas Day.

Redkite Head of Fundraisin,g Isobel Lindley, said cancer made Christmas a difficult time for too many families across Queensland and we estimate that every day in December, a family in Queensland will be told their child has cancer.

“Unfortunately cancer doesn’t stop at Christmas and the pressure on families can be heightened when a child or young person is in hospital or very sick,” Ms Lindley said.

“By providing financial support, we can help with essentials like putting petrol in the car for those endless trips between hospital and home.

“Thanks to the generosity of Coles and communities across the state, every card or gingerbread man purchased can make an enormous difference to the lives of families facing their child’s cancer.”

Coles State General Manager, Jerry Farrell, encouraged local shoppers to support the campaign to help take the pressure off families affected by cancer this Christmas.

“We’re pleased to be raising funds for such a worthy cause and hope the local community will show their support for Redkite again this year,” Mr Farrell said.