The Gold Coast SUNS helped spread the Christmas cheer to some of the community’s neediest citizens at Thursday night’s fifth annual White Christmas Charity Event.

Despite less than ideal conditions at Movie World, it didn’t dampen the spirits of more than 3,500 Gold Coasters from the GC SUNS 10 nominated charities and the Gold Coast Community Fund enjoy a fun filled night at the iconic theme park, which had been transformed into a winter wonderland for the festive season.

Since its inception in 2010, in excess of 15,000 people have attended the event and this year’s edition broke the record for funds raised with $81,800 donated – taking the total to over $300,000 across the five years of its existence.

The GC SUNS working with the clubs nominated charity fund, The Gold Coast Community Fund, and in partnership with Village Roadshow Theme Parks, The Gold Coast Bulletin, 92.5 Gold FM and Channel 9, provided a night of entertainment which included free rides, Christmas Carols, dinner, snacks, drinks and a spectacular Christmas street parade which featuring all 2015 listed players at Movie World.

Gold Coast SUNS Community Manager Corey Bell explained the event was by far the biggest community event the club participated in each year and a great source of pride for all those involved.

“This event means a great deal to our club and the players particularly enjoy seeing the effect they have on these young families,” Bell said.

“To see all ten of our nominated charities we work closely with all year represented by thousands of people enjoying themselves with the players, is very special to see.”

The Gold Coast SUNS work throughout the year with its ten nominated Gold Coast based charities that are from the areas of Youth Homelessness, Domestic Violence and the North Gold Coast region.

2014 Community Award winner, Charlie Dixon, was given the privilege of turning the lights on for the event, with more than one million fairy lights sparking to life after the SUNS key forward flicked the switch.

Brandon Matera was unveiled as the new Gold Coast Community Fund ambassador for 2015 with female ambassador and ironwoman champion Courtney Hancock, as well as new GCCF patron and former Queensland premier Rob Borbridge.

The White Christmas Charity Fund is still open and those wanting to donate can click here.