Placing an extra gift in your trolley this week could make the world of difference to a Sunshine Coast child this Christmas.

[caption id="attachment_831" align="alignleft" width="3264"] Three-year-old Max Lennox, of Bli Bli, was born on Christmas Eve and spent his very first Christmas at Nambour Hospital. He was back in the Paediatric Unit last month for treatment and received an early Christmas gift.[/caption]

Ray White Maroochydore has teamed up with Wishlist for their annual ‘A Little Ray of Giving’ campaign to help sick and disadvantaged children who may need a little extra light in their festive season.

The inspiring gift-giving drive has become a popular tradition for the local real estate agency, says Principal Dan Sowden.

“Ray White has run the Little Ray of Giving initiative across Australia and New Zealand each December since 2012,” he said.

“Last year more than 300 offices helped raise 30,000 gifts for disadvantaged families ahead of December 25.”

Sunshine Coast Child Youth and Family Health Service Clinical Nurse Consultant Kath Hilder said the generous campaign had the potential to brighten Christmas for many in-need and disadvantaged local children.

“For some families, Christmas can be a difficult time of year,” Ms Hilder said.

“This is just one small way we can put smiles on the faces of children and assist families we work with on a regular basis.

“The five child health centres spanning from Caloundra through to Gympie would be so grateful for gifts ranging from babies, including siblings, up to the age of 15.”

Wishlist is calling on the local community to embrace the giving season and dig deep for children who need it most.

“This gift drive is a way to directly help children who deserve some extra cheer at this time of year, and getting involved is very simple,” Wishlist CEO Lisa Rowe said.

Drop an unwrapped present into Ray White Maroochydore at Shop 1/4-8 Duporth Ave before December 15 or in the reception areas of Caloundra, Gympie or Nambour hospitals.

Nominate if the present is for a boy or girl and list an appropriate age group.

The Ray White Maroochydore and Wishlist teams will wrap and deliver gifts the week before Christmas.

Ray White Maroochydore partnered with Wishlist earlier this year when Mr Sowden auctioned ‘The House the Coast Built’, a charity home that raised over $270,000 for sick children.

“We chose to partner with Wishlist because we love to see families on the Sunshine receive the health care they deserve,” Mr Sowden said.

Factbox: A Little Ray of Giving

• Drop an unwrapped gift into Ray White Maroochydore on Duporth Ave, or the reception areas of Nambour, Caloundra or Gympie hospitals before December 15.


• Nominate if the gift is suitable for a boy or girl.


• Nominate an appropriate age group.