Christmas will come early for many struggling families across the Northern Rivers on Sunday, as Ballina community figure and charity dynamo Mark Ross prepares to hand out hundreds of donated gifts.

After weeks of generosity from local shoppers, businesses and community groups, toys, food, hampers and gift vouchers will be shared with anyone who needs support — no questions asked.

“It’s just about helping people through a tough time,” Mr Ross said.

This year’s appeal is the first time stores across the entire Ballina Fair Shopping Centre have taken part, turning everyday shopping into direct help for local families.

A big idea from everyday experience

Ballina Fair general manager Shaun Haysom said the appeal grew out of his experience in the supermarket industry, where community giving at Christmas was a familiar way to support people doing it tough.

“I’d seen how well it worked in supermarkets,” he said.

“And I thought, why not do it across the whole shopping centre?”

A donation point was set up opposite Hartley’s Fresh store, and shoppers responded quickly, contributing gifts and vouchers that can be used across Ballina Fair stores.

“The response from the community has been phenomenal, ” My Haysom said, as he prepared to help Mark Ross move the vast array of donated goods to his home for distribution.

Mr Haysom said working with Mr Ross was an easy decision.

“He’s someone who’s already helping people year-round,” he said.

With this, we can turn goodwill into something immediate and visible, without any overheads”

Simple, direct help

Mr Ross said the giveaway is intentionally informal.

“There’s no forms and no judgement,” he said.

“People can just come down and take what they need.”

Families do not need to live in Ballina to attend, and people from surrounding towns are welcome.

Based on previous years, the gifts are expected to be gone quickly.

More gifts, broader reach

The giveaway has also been boosted by a Christmas gift tree at Cherry Street Sports Club, and those donations will also be shared on the day.

Any remaining soft toys, books or smaller items will be passed on to local hospitals or shared with neighbouring communities.

Mr Ross said the aim is simple.

“To make Christmas a little easier for people who’ve had a tough year,” he said.

At a glance: Christmas gift giveaway

When: Sunday, from 12 noon
Where: 2/106 Crane Street, Ballina
What: Toys, food, hampers and Ballina Fair gift vouchers
Who: Anyone doing it tough
How: First come, first served

Main image: Ballina Fair GM Shaun Haysom and his sons Flynn  and Noah with Mark Ross