Santa stopped by regional NSW

Once again the RASF was able to make sure Santa Claus could visit regional NSW with a truck full of kitchen goods and toys worth $182,000. This year Santa focused on the Riverina, Illawarra, Central West, and South East NSW with 20 Show Societies receiving pallets of gifts for children and goods for Showground and Community Hall kitchens. Many of the communities were badly hit by bushfires, highlighting shortcomings when showgrounds become refuge centres - it is hoped the kitchen goods can help address this need. Santa knows that where possible all children across the state should receive a gift under the tree on Christmas morning and he was thrilled to distribute toys and games to share the spirit of Christmas with regional communities.

In their own words:
"The smiles on every face make your heart melt. If nothing else it has made my Christmas by giving these kids something to smile about." - Sue Hood, Secretary Dubbo Show Society Incorporated

"The joy it brings to rural Aussie kids everywhere is priceless. Money could never buy the satisfaction of knowing we could have changed a kids Christmas and it could potentially be something they’ll never forget." - Jason Owen, ‘Doing it for Rural Kids’ founder from Trundle/Albert

"The kitchen goods will go into a new building at the Holbrook Sporting Complex which will include a kitchen and function area, so our catering ladies are looking forward to being able to use the new goods when we move in." - Rita Bowler, Secretary Holbrook Show Society

"Items for the Men’s Shed are to be delivered shortly and I'm sure they will welcome the donation as have the other worthy welfare groups. I feel like Santa Claus!" - Parkes Show Society