RAS Foundation delivers Christmas joy to NSW Show Societies
This year saw 33 Show Societies across the Riverina and Upper Hunter regions of NSW receive an assortment of books, toys and rolls of fabric, sorted and packed by staff and volunteers from the RAS Foundation and AgShows NSW.
The recipients have already begun celebrating their early Christmas windfall, delivering the gifts to where they are most needed within their communities.
Dubbo Show Society have proudly announced their share of toys will be sent to Orana Support Service.
“These toys will help spread some Christmas cheer to over 200 children currently in their care. Staff have already picked up the items, ensuring they can be sorted, gift-wrapped, and ready for the holidays, so these kids will have presents under the tree”, said Sue Hood, Secretary of Dubbo Show Society.
For Armidale & New England Show Society, the toys have been split between the Women’s Shelter in Armidale, and Challenge Community Service – Foster Care, for these organisations to distribute to families within their system, while the books and fabric have been sent to local schools and craft groups respectively.
Since its inception in 2018, the successful initiative has benefited almost 200 rural and regional showgrounds and community halls across NSW.
Recipient Show Societies are rotated, ensuring an equal distribution of gifts, with this year’s deserving recipients listed in the table below.
|
Armidale Show |
Ganmain |
Parkes |
|
Barham Koondrook |
Griffith |
Peak Hill |
|
Berrigan |
Gulgong |
Sofala |
|
Broken Hill (Silver City) |
Hay |
Stroud |
|
Buladehlah |
Hillston |
Temora Show |
|
Cessnock |
Junee |
The Rock |
|
Condobolin |
Kyogle |
Upper Hunter |
|
Coonabarabran |
Leeton |
Wagga Wagga |
|
Dalgety |
Lockhart |
Wauchope |
|
Dubbo |
Maitland |
Wentworth |
|
Dungog |
Neville |
Wingham |
RAS Foundation Manager, Cecilia Logan, emphasised the significance of the initiative and its impact on communities in need.
“Christmas can be a difficult time for many, and the RAS Foundation considers it both a responsibility and a privilege to be able to give back to regional communities in need and spread some joy at this time of year”, Cecilia Logan said.
“The Show Societies distribute the gifts in different ways among their community, whether that be providing presents under the tree on Christmas morning or supporting local events and activities in the lead up to Christmas that can bring people together and foster community spirit.
“We’re grateful to once again partner with Good360 for this special initiative and we thank all the volunteers who generously gave their time to put these pallets together”.
The RAS Foundation Christmas Distribution initiative is made possible through fundraising events hosted at the Sydney Royal Easter Show each year.
All recipients have extended their heartfelt thanks to the RAS Foundation and its collaborators for such a practical and generous donation.
