Canberra Outlet is bringing Christmas joy to local families, one gift at a time
Posted on
Christmas is all about the excitement of unwrapping presents, but for some Canberra families, the cost of making that magic happen can be a little overwhelming.
This year, Canberra Outlet is hoping to change that, inviting shoppers to help bring Christmas joy to local children through its Christmas Gifts of Joy initiative, supporting community charity Roundabout Canberra.
It’s a simple idea, but one that could make a real difference to families doing it tough. Visitors to Canberra Outlet can select a gift tag representing a child, head into the centre’s retailers to purchase a present and return it to the activation to be collected and delivered to a child who might otherwise go without.
For Canberra Outlet Marketing Manager Cassandra Grening, the idea was about using the centre’s connection with the community to do something meaningful at a time of year when financial pressures can be particularly acute.
“Christmas is such a magical time of year, particularly for families with young children, but we also recognise that for many families in our community, it can be an incredibly challenging time financially,” Cassandra says.
“We wanted to use our platform and the thousands of people who visit Canberra Outlet to help make a meaningful difference.”
Partnering with Roundabout Canberra was a natural fit, she says, with the organisation providing practical support to local families experiencing hardship.
“Supporting Roundabout Canberra was a natural fit for us. They do incredible work supporting local families, and we wanted to create an activation that not only raises awareness of their organisation but also makes it really easy for our customers to get involved and give back.”
Roundabout Canberra supports babies, children and families experiencing hardship, providing essential items and practical assistance to help families navigate challenging circumstances.
And while Christmas Gifts of Joy is about giving, it also offers an opportunity for Canberrans to rethink the role their favourite shopping destinations can play in the community.
“We believe shopping centres have an important role to play beyond retail,” says Cassandra.
“We’re a place where the community comes together, and if we can use that connection to help make Christmas a little brighter for Canberra families, that’s something we’re incredibly proud of,”
The best part? Giving back doesn’t need to mean spending a fortune.
Canberra Outlet’s mix of brands and outlet pricing makes it an easy place to pick up a brand-new present at a more affordable price, whether that’s a toy, clothing or something special for a child.
And with free parking, there’s one less thing to worry about when making a Christmas shopping trip.
Spread some joy
Canberra Outlet’s Christmas Gifts of Joy initiative is open every Saturday and Sunday throughout November and December, from 11 am to 2 pm, as well as Monday 21 December to Thursday 24 December, from 11 am to 2 pm.
Simply visit the activation, choose a gift tag with the help of staff, shop for a present at one of the centre’s retailers and return your gift to the collection point.
It’s a small gesture that could mean an enormous amount to a local child – and a lovely reminder that some of the best Christmas moments happen when we make them possible for someone else.
