When I met Cheree she was a freelance makeup artist operating out of the boot of her car. Years of hard work perfecting her craft and educating herself in the ways of business through a degree at JCU she nervously opened her first retail space. Her work spoke for itself and she quickly outgrew this space and the next until she opened her haven on Ingham Road and oh what a vibe it is.

Or it was, until this week, when she experienced every business owners nightmare. Her store was broken into and ransacked, thousands in damage and goods stolen plus the loss of business from having to close the doors for clean up and repairs.

Like many in North Queensland struggling with the increased cost of living and insurance’s Cheree made the decision (only a few months ago) to reduce her insurance coverage, dropping what she believed to be the lower risk elements of her policy.

Unfortunately this means she is now faced with the cost of repairing the damage caused during the break in putting significant financial strain on her and the business.

For those who know Cheree well they know life hasn’t been all rainbows and sunshine, yet every day she puts those around her first despite her own pain and adversities.

She was there for us when our son was diagnosed with cancer no questions asked and no thanks needed. I’ve watched her support others through all manner of life’s trials for no other reason than it was what was right.

This campaign is to help elevate some of the angst and stress she now faces going into the most stressful time of the year.

Nothing I could do will ever repay what this women has given me in life but that doesn’t mean I won’t stop trying.