The Community Giving Tree

My name is Shane Donovan; I am the founder of ‘The Community Giving Tree' and Director of Donovan Real Estate.

The Community Giving Tree was established in 2015. I launched the foundation to support families in our local community who would otherwise go without at Christmas time.

Christmas is such a special time of year. It brings joy and excitement and should be celebrated by every family, not just those who are financially able. Unfortunately, I have seen that Christmas can bring stress and anxiety to families who find themselves comparing to others who can; provide endless amounts of presents and food.

Some families I speak of wish with all their hearts for just one gift to give their loved ones so through The Community Giving Tree foundation and support of the community, I can give back and see smiles on faces, easing pressure on families who so desperately need that little bit of support.

The foundation works in partnership with the local charities including the Salvation Army in providing presents to children, food and necessities to less fortunate families. The families that our particular foundation supports are those within our local community.

Being a Father of 3 young boys myself, it's heartbreaking to know that so many kids wake up on Christmas morning to see what Santa has brought them, only to find there are no presents; most don’t even have a Christmas Tree.

It raises questions for these children. Have I been naughty? Maybe Santa didn’t get the letter I wrote, or my gifts are still coming, but Santa delivers to the other boys and girls first. As a parent, I couldn’t even begin to imagine answering these questions. Some struggle even to place food on the table, let alone shower their children with gifts.

The Community Giving Tree has raised over $80,000 in it's 9 years so far and since starting in 2015 we have helped over 900 individual families. This year is our 10th year running and we hope to help even more families than ever before.

Each year our goal has been set and achieved thanks to so many people near and far for donating what they can. We hope to raise over $10,000 this year in money and gifts. The money we raise will send presents and Christmas food hampers to more than 100 families in need.

Unfortunately, the number of families requiring assistance keeps growing due to the rapid increase in living expenses and every day costs.

The 10k goal may seem unrealistic given the times we find ourselves in but let’s not allow that to ruin our spirits; let’s remain optimistic that together we can achieve our goal and give back to our community, especially the children who have done it so SO tough!

If you are a person, a family, a business or someone who wishes to remain anonymous and can contribute in any way, we would be forever grateful. Every dollar we receive enables us to help more families to celebrate Christmas Day.

We accept gifts for boys and girls ranging from newborn – 14 years. We also accept financial donations, and we’ll do the shopping for you. We have a Christmas Tree in our office; If you want to contribute, you can place your gift (which must be unwrapped) underneath the tree. We will ensure the gift gets to the right child from Santa. If you would like to donate money, we have an account setup you can transfer to, I have listed the details below.

Please be aware the Salvation Army is unable to accept Teddy Bears, second-hand toys and perishable food items. We encourage food and necessities like toilet paper, pasta and pancake mix, just to name a few. Also disposable cutlery, Christmas plates and napkins.

With the money we raise, and the support Kmart and Woolies Carrum Downs we do a ‘BIG SHOP' through the isles, collecting trolleys full of necessities and, of course – TOYS!

To provide these families with what they need in time for Christmas, all gifts and donations must be in by Friday, December 6, 2024.

Together we can light up Christmas for everyone in our community!

From the bottom of my heart and from my family to yours – THANK YOU, and Merry Christmas to you all.

Sincerely;

Shane Donovan

DONATION DETAILS:

In-person:

Donovan Real Estate Partners

F5 & F6, 317 Ballarto Road Carrum Downs

Bank Details for Monetary donations:

Account Name: The Community Giving Tree

BSB – 083-420

ACC – 744 756 775