PRESS RELEASE: Free Christmas Shop Marks 10 Years of Helping Australians in Need

Free Christmas Shop Marks 10 Years of Helping Australians in Need

The Free Christmas Shop is celebrating its 10th anniversary giving away thousands of new presents to support all families and especially those doing it tough.
Founder Dennis Stevenson said the initiative relies entirely on community generosity and volunteer support. He has called on locals to help spread the word, donate brand new, unused items from home, and volunteer their time at the shop in the lead-up to Christmas.

Event Details: When: Wednesday 17 December – Christmas Eve (closed Sunday & Monday)

Where: Baptist Church Hall, Ocean Shores Shopping Centre (Rajah Road, Ocean Shores NSW –next to K-Hub) What: All gifts are new, free, and available to everyone. Why: “Giving isn’t just the fastest way to change ourselves and our world. It’s the only way,” says Stevenson.

A Human Story Behind the Need This year, Dennis is sharing the story of Ayla, a young mother facing extreme hardship, to highlight the growing number of families who rely on community support at Christmas.
After suffering a serious medical emergency, losing her job, and facing her husband’s unexpected hospitalisation and business collapse, Ayla’s family—three children with high needs—has been left without the means to afford even the smallest Christmas gifts.

“Our total income is $1,100 a week and $900 goes to rent.” Ayla explains. “I don’t care about Ethan or me—just the kids. They finally understand Christmas, and they’ve been so excited. We just can’t afford anything and haven’t stopped crying.”

Ayla’s husband, a landscaper subcontracting under his own ABN, recently endured multiple surgeries after a workplace injury and is urgently seeking employment.
Stevenson says Ayla’s story is “one of hundreds” and underscores why community-driven initiatives like the Free Christmas Shop remain essential. He said, “We’ll help all the family with presents, but would love to see Ethan get work.”

Call for Support The Free Christmas Shop urgently needs:
• New gift donations
• Volunteers to assist during opening days
• Community promotion so families in need know where to go
• Employment leads for fully qualified landscaper Ethan Stevenson

Contact Media and arrange to interview Ayla:
Call Dennis Stevenson anytime: – 02 6685 8537
Additional Information & Resources: Website: www.spiritofchristmas1.com
Email: [email protected]