A RAY of hope will flicker across the Swan Hill sky as Ray White Swan Hill launches its annual national initiative.
Now it its fifth year, the popular tradition will see the real estate agent partner with Mallee Family Care to help disadvantaged children who may need a little extra light in their festive season.
Businesses and families are encouraged to donate new gifts and place them underneath the Christmas tree at the Swan Hill branch office during the next few weeks.
Ray White Swan Hill principal Fiona Hawley said there was bigger demand than ever before with families “doing it tough” due to the COVID pandemic.
“Already we have had businesses Toyworld, SportsPower and Priceline contribute,” she said.
“If we can get some local people or other local businesses to make a donation that would be wonderful.
“Mallee Family Care in other years have told us what aged groups specifically need more catering towards, but this year basically said from nought to 18 is the age group they need gifts for.
“Anything suitable for that age group would be kindly received.”
Mallee Family Care will take possession of the gifts in December before they are gifted to smiling families to unwrap on Christmas Day.
Ms Hawley said all donations, which need to be new, unwrapped and in their original packaging, could be left underneath the Christmas tree at Ray White Swan Hill, 199 Campbell Street.
The Swan Hill branch collected more than 520 donations of gifts last year, which was the largest number of gifts collected by any Ray White branch.
Principal and joint-owner Cameron Smits said it was an incredible effort by the Swan Hill community.
“Country towns tend to punch above their weight when it comes to giving and supporting initiatives like this,” he said.
