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Ramping up the Christmas cheer

Lisa FavazzoGeraldton Guardian
Midwest Charity Begins at Home youth volunteers Shaylan Switf, Lily Bertelsen and Poppy Healy, all 9, putting up the Mitchell and Brown Christmas tree.
Camera IconMidwest Charity Begins at Home youth volunteers Shaylan Switf, Lily Bertelsen and Poppy Healy, all 9, putting up the Mitchell and Brown Christmas tree. Credit: Lisa Favazzo/The Geraldton Guardian

After school finished on Tuesday, a group of children gathered at a local retailer to put up a Christmas tree in the hope it would be a place for the community to show kindness.

Until December 17, Midwest Charity Begins at Home will be collecting unwrapped gifts at Mitchell and Brown and Saint John of God Hospital, to be handed to families dealing with serious illness.

Poppy Healey and Shaylan Swift , both 9, putting up the Mitchell and Brown Christmas tree.
Camera IconPoppy Healey and Shaylan Swift , both 9, putting up the Mitchell and Brown Christmas tree. Credit: Lisa Favazzo/The Geraldton Guardian

While decorating the tree, youth volunteer Isabella Mitchell, 12, said she felt like she “needed to give back to the community”. Poppy Healey, 9, agreed, saying she loved to help out in any way she could.

Mentor Kay Brown said the group was hoping to receive a range of donations.

“Just think about what you would want to receive,” she said, adding that coffee vouchers and toys made great inclusions in the gift baskets they would put together, delivered in time for Christmas.

Midwest Charity Begins at Home youth mentors Kay Brown and Lois Garner.
Camera IconMidwest Charity Begins at Home youth mentors Kay Brown and Lois Garner. Credit: Lisa Favazzo/The Geraldton Guardian

“Christmas is a time for giving,” she said.

Mitchell and Brown managing director Steve Nanninga said the business was built around the spirit of giving, and he was happy the store could help out.

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