A Very Community Christmas at Noosa Civic
‘Tis the season to be generous, and local shopping centre Noosa Civic is gifting the community plenty of ways to spread joy to the families who need it most this Christmas, discovers Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer.
Lovingly wrapped presents under the tree; a festive table laden with local food; the people we love gathered together in the same room – Christmas is all about sharing these special moments with friends and family.
But not everyone is so lucky, which is why Noosa Civic wants to help spread Christmas cheer to families in need this year, offering more festive fabulousness than you can shake a stocking at while raising much-needed funds for some of its favourite charities.
For the first time ever, the centre has partnered with local charity SunnyKids, who help support children and families affected by domestic violence, as part of its SunnyKids Christmas Gift Appeal.
You can donate any new gift (excluding violent toys, such as guns and swords) at the centre’s collection point, located just behind the Santa area, to help make a vulnerable child’s Christmas wish come true! Gifts should be unwrapped so the SunnyKids volunteers can match the toy to the child who suits it best, or alternatively, you can support the appeal with a donation.
Melanie Noble, Marketing Manager at Noosa Civic, says she’s excited to see the community get behind this initiative, which runs right up until Christmas Eve.
“The Noosa community has always been very giving, and we’re so pleased to help support this incredible charity that makes a real difference to the lives of local families,” she says. “It’s going to be a beautiful way to celebrate Christmas and share the joy!”
Of course, it wouldn’t be the festive season without an appearance from Father Christmas himself, and this year is set to be a memorable one with new coastal-themed Santa Photo Sessions!
Bookings are open until 24 December for your very own ho-ho-holiday memento, and every child photographed will receive a special Santa Sack to take home, adding an extra sprinkling of enchantment to the experience.
If your child feels a bit shy or has additional needs, they might prefer to join one of the Sensitive Santa Sessions, where extra time is allocated for a more relaxed, sensory-friendly encounter.
And let’s not forget about our festive furry friends – bring your beloved pet along for a Santa Pet Photo for paw-fect holiday vibes!
Walk-ins are welcome for general Santa sessions, however bookings are essential for sensitive Santa and pet photography.
If you can’t make it along to visit Santa, then perhaps your child might like to Write to Santa instead, using Noosa Civic’s special templates before popping their letter into the on-site festive post box. Special delivery to the North Pole coming right up!
When it comes to getting your Christmas list all wrapped up, don’t forget to take part in the Charity Gift Wrap initiative, found just outside Cotton On!
Choose from a stunning range of wrapping paper sourced from sustainable forests, and have your gifts expertly wrapped for the cost of a gold coin donation.
Not only will you be able to relax on Christmas Eve (last-minute wrapping-paper emergencies, be gone!), 100% of money raised goes to Noosa Civic’s five long-term charity partners: Red Cross, KNGO, Rotary Noosa Daybreak, Cancer Council and Katie Rose Cottage.
And to say thanks for helping them spread festive cheer far and wide, Noosa Civic has a very special Christmas Gift for YOU! Simply spend $90 or more at any specialty store to receive a free Turkish towel – perfect for relaxing on the sand or gifting to a pool-loving pal! Available while stocks last, so don’t delay.
Ticking everything off your Christmas shopping list can feel overwhelming, but when you choose to buy from Noosa Civic this festive season, you’ll be part of something bigger, helping create magical moments for vulnerable people in the community and making their days feel merry and bright.
Now that’s the true spirit of Christmas!
