Little Ray of Giving returns

By Lua Ikenasio

Dec 9, 2024

Jenna Harvey from Rochester Neighbourhood House and Stuart Wilson, Ken Oliver and dog Thomas from Ray White. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Rochester’s Ray White is holding its Little Ray of Giving initiative again this year in collaboration with the Rochester Community House.

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The project calls on community members to donate what they can for those doing it tough this Christmas.

Ray White principal Stuart Wilson said the response to the initiative from the community had been really positive.

“This is the second year we’re running it. We had a really good response to it last year,” he said.

“There’s still a lot of people struggling, especially with the cost of living, so it’s our little way of giving back to the community as a central drop-off point and pushing it through to those in need.”

Although toys are the most popular gifts under the Ray White tree, people can gift anything from pet food to socks or non-perishable foods.

All donations should remain unwrapped so that they can be easily sorted and distributed.

The last day to bring in donations will be Sunday, December 15.

The donations are already beginning to pile up under the Ray White Christmas tree. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Rochester Neighbourhood House youth and community engagement officer Jenna Harvey said the organisation distributed the donations with the help of other organisations.

“We contacted all of the local schools, Anglicare and all the flood support workers because they're able to identify those in need,” she said.

“They're working with families all the time and know the families that would need the extra support and then the families would come in and see us.”