In response, the community is coming together like never before.
Building on the success of last year’s ‘Little Ray of Giving’ drive, which saw Ray White Benalla and Tomorrow Today provide food and gift hampers to over 65 local families, this year’s effort promises to be even bigger.
The newly formed ‘Benalla Community Christmas Cheer Initiative’ will see the Benalla Salvation Army join forces with Ray White Benalla and Tomorrow Today to ensure no family is left behind this festive season.
With this expanded collaboration, the goal is to reach even more families, bringing hope, joy and a true sense of community spirit to Benalla this Christmas.
Tomorrow Today executive officer Jodie Fleming reflected on the history of the giving drive.
“Before 2023 we worked with Ray White for six years to distribute donated toys and gifts for families to put under the tree, but we realised that often it’s a lovely Christmas meal or some special treats to eat that families were missing out on,” she said.
“We discussed this with the team at Ray White and together we decided to include food hampers to address this need. Last year we were absolutely overwhelmed with the generous response from local businesses and individuals. We hope that Benalla businesses and the wider community will dig deep again this year.”
Ray White Benalla’s Peter Symes spoke about the real estate agency’s support for the initiative.
“Every year Ray White as a corporation do Little Ray of Giving, that’s a massive part of what they do, but personally, I suppose what drives us is that we can work with other local organisations and make sure that no kid at Christmas goes without a present under the tree or food on the table,” he said.
Benalla Salvation Army’s Captain Ben Anderson highlighted the invaluable local backing.
“We are really grateful for the support of the Benalla community, and we’re really confident that we’ll do an even greater job of helping our community to celebrate Christmas well, because we’re doing it together."
The trio estimated more than 300 families would require assistance this year and called on the Benalla business community and local individuals to donate what they could.
“We are always grateful to receive material donations so the opportunity is there for people to give money, food or toys,” Mr Anderson said.
“With food, we love to see those really special Christmas things but also non-perishable things are really great to make sure that there is enough to go past Christmas, that the celebration doesn’t cost them too much and they’re able to celebrate, I guess without the pressure of what comes next.”
“Sometimes we focus on the presents for the little ones, but it’s those kids in those teenage years, sometimes they’re quite lost as well,” Mr Symes said.
“It’s nice for them to think ‘I’m waking up on Christmas morning to some really cool gifts’.”
Businesses that would like to contribute to the Christmas Cheer Initiative can contact Ray White Benalla on 5762 2266.
Donations of toys or gifts can be made at Ray White Benalla, 20 Bridge St East.
Donations of food can be made at the Salvos Store, 5-9 Bridge St East.
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