Ray White gives back this Christmas

The Barossa Valley | Two Wells businesses, which operate across two offices in the Barossa region of South Australia, have chosen Backpacks 4 SA Kids to support through their Little Ray of Giving campaign.

“A Little Ray of Giving provides an amazing platform to raise awareness of how important it is to 'give' during the festive season,” Bianca Crothers of Ray White Barossa Valley | Two Wells said.

“For the fifth year in a row, we have chosen and supported Backpacks 4 SA Kids. When we chose the charity five years ago, we wanted to choose somewhere that helped make a real impact on the local community, and somewhere that aligned our values.

“A lot of us in the office have young children, and none of us could imagine not being able to provide them with a gift on Christmas day.

“Being able to call on the local community, collect present donations and raise much needed funds for Backpacks 4 SA Kids means they can purchase presents, and really help make a difference to so many children's lives.

“For the local communities, they appreciate how much time and effort we put into our A Little Ray of Giving fundraiser, and local businesses are the first to put up their hands to help with our fundraising efforts.”

This year, as a part of our A Little Ray of Giving fundraising, the team are also participating in two major community events.

On Friday, December 13 they will be a part of the Lyndoch Street Party, but can also be found walking the Main Street of Two Wells for the Two Wells Christmas Street Parade. There will be raffles, face painting, goodies to purchase and a fun, family photo booth - all in aid of raising extra funds for Backpacks 4 SA Kids.

The Ray White Sutherland Shire team, south of Sydney, have launched their Little Ray of Giving campaign with a festive video of some of the team getting in the spirit and putting up the office Christmas tree.

This year, they’re helping Dandelion Support Network provide gifts for children aged 0-16 years old for Christmas. Dandelion Support Network is a grassroots not-for-profit that supports children and families in need based in the Sutherland Shire.

“Ray White Sutherland Shire are proud to be partnering again with Dandelion Support Network as part of our annual Ray White Christmas charity drive - a Little Ray of Giving,” Ray White Sutherland Shire director Matt Debreczeni said.

“As a business that works with families on selling and buying their dream homes, we were keen to support a local charity that supports vulnerable families in our area. We want all children and families in the Shire to enjoy the magic of Christmas.

“We are excited to be partnering with such a wonderful charity, a grassroots not-for-profit that supports children and families in need. Dandelion Support Network receives no government funding for the services they provide and rely on the generosity of the community and their supporters to continue the work that they do.”

In Townsville, the local Ray White office headed by Gio and Santo Spinella has gotten into the giving spirit by partnering with Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia through their Little Ray of Giving campaign this year.

Ronald McDonald House Charities provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare.

“Christmas is that time of year where families come together to spend time together, enjoy good food and a rest from the daily grind, and take a moment to reflect on the year that was,” managing director Santo Spinella said.

“Unfortunately for some families with sick children, this time of year can be very stressful and difficult. This is why Ray White Townsville gets behind this great cause every Christmas, to bring some joy to these families in very difficult times.

“We’re hoping to put some smiles on their faces. Every gift great and small will go a long way to help a family have a more enjoyable Christmas.”

The team from Ray White Chelsea have once again partnered with Mums Supporting Families In Need (MSFIN) and Chelsea Community Christmas Lunch to ensure children and families in need receive a special gift this Christmas.

MSFIN’s mission is to support their community’s most vulnerable families and ensure no child goes without essentials. While the Chelsea Community Christmas Lunch was started in 2016 to help feed those without a home on Christmas day.

"Participating and supporting the local community during Christmas time is crucial for fostering a sense of shared responsibility,” Ruben Gueli from Ray White Chelsea said.

“The holiday season can be a difficult time for many and by getting involved, Ray White Chelsea and their Little Ray of Giving initiative can make a meaningful impact on those in need.

“Supporting our chosen local charities Mums Supporting Families In Need (MSFIN) and the Chelsea Community Christmas Lunch helps spread goodwill and creates a positive and meaningful effect.

“It also provides employees with a sense of purpose and pride, knowing they are part of something bigger than themselves.

"By demonstrating care for the community Ray White Chelsea not only strengthens its own internal culture but also contributes to the overall wellbeing and spirit of the local area during the festive season."