For many families in Benalla, the thought of the additional pressure to make the upcoming festive season memorable can be overwhelming.

With Christmas just around the corner, the ‘Benalla Community Christmas Cheer’ campaign is kicking into gear again to alleviate some of that pressure.

The Christmas Cheer campaign is a joint effort between Ray White Benalla, Tomorrow Today Foundation and the Salvation Army Benalla.

Together, they collect and distribute donated gifts and food hampers to ensure that no Benalla family misses out at Christmas.

The campaign relies on the generosity of the Benalla community and local businesses.

Tomorrow Today Foundation’s Sally Matheson said that, unfortunately, 2025 had not seen any improvement in the cost-of-living crisis many people were facing.

“So, we’re calling on Benalla businesses and the wider community to dig deep once again,” she said.

“In 2024 we saw an incredible response from Benalla businesses and individuals.

“We were overwhelmed by the generosity of so many who donated, toys, food and money to the cause.”

Captain Ben Anderson from the Salvation Army also reflected on the 2024 effort.

"The Christmas Cheer partnership between Tomorrow Today, Ray White and the Salvos greatly enhanced our reach and service to those disadvantaged in the Benalla community,“ he said.

“We look forward to building on this in 2025, to ensure that no-one misses out this Christmas.

“We are also looking forward to hosting the distribution from our newly redeveloped facilities.”

Ray White Benalla director and manager Peter Symes said the initiative was extremely important to his business.

“It grew from the ‘Little Ray of Giving’ project, which we’ve been part of for many years,” he said.

“It means so much to us because we believe that being a kid should be full of wonder.

“Kids grow up so quickly these days, and we just want every child waking up on Christmas morning with that magical excitement of knowing Santa has been and having a gift to open.

“It’s also about sharing time with loved ones and a meal to enjoy with family and friends.

“This initiative is our way of spreading hope, joy and kindness during the festive season.

“We have been so grateful to our amazing community over the last few years, which has been so generous and really got behind this wonderful cause.”

In 2024, the program distributed toys to over 200 children and more than 150 food hampers to those in need.

This year, it is estimated 300 families will require assistance, and the Benalla business community and local individuals are urged to donate what they can.

“The Benalla Community Christmas Cheer Initiative stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together,” Ms Matheson said.

“Together, we can make Christmas 2025 one to remember for all the right reasons.”

To contribute to the Christmas Cheer Initiative, you can contact:

If you would like to discuss what’s possible, contact Sharni Symes at Ray White Benalla on 5762 2266 or email sharni.symes@raywhite.com.

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Sunday, 20th November 2022

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