BIG W Giving Tree makes a return

By Nicola Ceccato

Dec 6, 2023

**Sharing the Christmas spirit:** Store supervisor Edith Ryan and BIG W worker Hayley Revell encourage the community to donate when they visit the Shepparton store this month. Photo by Megan Fisher

The generosity of the Shepparton community never seems to slow down.

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With a large retailer in town already successful in its gift-giving initiative so far, this remains the case.

BIG W has been running their Christmas Gift Giving Tree since November and has already seen a plethora of donations from the community.

BIG W Shepparton store manager Stacy Telfer said it didn’t surprise her, being that historically, Shepparton has always been generous in their donations to the initiative.

“We have already been blown away by the generosity of the community,” Ms Telfer said.

“We know that many Aussies are doing it tough this year, and we are grateful to those generous customers who have extended their giving list to one extra person in need.”

Last year, BIG W distributed over 10,000 gifts to charities nationwide thanks to Giving Tree donations.

This year, they’re hoping to beat that number.

BIG W has partnered with Good360 Australia to match all 177 stores in the country with a local charity.

This year, they’re supporting 106 organisations, with the chosen charity for BIG W Shepparton being Crossenvale Community House.

The Echuca-based organisation provides support services, programs and events within the community, which include food relief programs, support groups, accounting assistance, school holiday programs, crisis response services and more.

**Tis the season for giving:** The Gift Giving Tree returns to BIG W stores nationwide this festive season. Photo by Megan Fisher

Regarding what gifts people should put under the tree, Ms Telfer said there’s no “magic formula” for what to buy, but it’s always good to put some thought into it.

“We encourage our customers to think about what their own family members might like for Christmas,” she said.

“We want them to know that thanks to their kindness and generosity, they’re helping make a little Christmas magic for those who might not otherwise get to enjoy it.”

In addition to the Giving Tree, BIG W supports five children’s hospitals around Australia by selling $2 tokens to raise much-needed funds for life-saving programs.

Shepparton BIG W will be taking donations until December 24.