THERE were hugs and tears on Christmas Eve as Swan Hill giftshop staff handed out presents to children and families on the street.
Karen, who didn’t want her surname or business identified, wanted to thank the Swan Hill community for their loyalty over the past two years.
Karen began the gift shop two-and-a-half years ago and said everyone had been welcoming and supportive throughout the chaos that was, and continued to be, the COVID-19 pandemic.
Suited up, she handed out 20 gifts to children on the street – leaving some parents with tears of gratitude – and she also handed out lucky door prizes.
The “upbeat day” was not out of the ordinary for the former cleaner, with her previous outings on the street including one dressed as a sumo wrestler and another in an old gas mask.
“They all think I’m mad as a hatter,” she said.
“But my customers are awesome, they’re like my family.”
Karen said gifts were supplied by local business Valweld, and she had been fundraising to cover the cost.
“There is too much selfishness,” she said.
“You’ve got to give a bit.”
The Swan Hill local said it was an emotional day as the staff also assisted one of their customers with a medical emergency on top of the festive cheer.
