Editors Note

Hi Everyone,

Have you decided what you’re going to give this Christmas?

I’m not talking presents to loved ones (or yourself!), I’m talking about giving back, doing something for someone less fortunate.

Two years ago, I purchased a toy and gave it to Whitsunday Counselling and Support to go towards a family escaping domestic violence.

I asked my son to choose the present and told him to make it something he would really like himself.

I then explained that we would be giving it away to a boy his age who has nothing but will now have a present to open on Christmas day because of his kind gesture.

This pleased my son and he looked excited . . . that was until we had to handover the gift to a volunteer and be burst into tears claiming he wanted to keep it!

Last year, I played it safe and we bought several smaller gifts for different age-groups and fortunately he wasn’t so traumatised this time.

This year, however, I haven’t had time to buy a toy yet, so I have been feeling really sad about it.

At home one evening earlier this week I was wondering ‘how’ and ‘who’ I could help, while feeling a little overwhelmed about how I was going to do it this year.

That same evening a post of a family friend came up asking for donations that would go directly to another family whose daughter was battling a brain tumour.

All donations would be used to make this Christmas extra special.

I immediately donated $40 and while this was only a small amount, I felt like it was still a meaningful contribution, every little helps.

I don’t think it matters how we give this Christmas, it just matters that we give something.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Give, even if you have a little” (Buddha)