Giving appeal a ray of light

RAY White Ballarat is once again running an annual festive appeal with the aim of supporting families in need to ensure there are gifts for children under the tree this Christmas.

The Little Ray of Giving campaign has returned and Ray White Ballarat director Will Munro said it’s a donation drive they’ve been taking part in for 12 years.

“We’re seeking toys and gifts for boys and girls of all ages,” he said.

“People are welcome to come into our office on Lydiard Street during office hours, 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, and pop their donations under our tree.

“The Salvation Army will come and collect them on the 12th and 19th of December, and they will divvy them up and distribute them to families before Christmas.”

Mr Munro said the community response to the appeal has always been positive, with locals keen to get behind their neighbours in need of assistance.

“They want to make sure that kids that might not otherwise receive toys on Christmas Day, have something to open,” he said.

“It’s a great community initiative and a chance for us as an office to give back as well. Our staff always get involved, and even my mum, sisters, and in-laws have dropped off presents for me to bring in.

“We have lots of staff who are parents with young families, and they want every child across the city to have a gift to open on Christmas day, as their children will.”

In previous years, more than 200 toys have been placed under the tree in the foyer of Ray White’s Ballarat office throughout December, and Mr Munro said they would like to achieve that again, and more.

“We love being a part of it,” he said.