Port Enterprise gets into the Christmas spirit

By Adair Winder

Nov 24, 2022

The gift of giving: Andrea Basham and Mark Francis have organised a Giving Tree for families in Rochester. Photo by Steve Huntley

Echuca’s Campaspe Port Enterprise has taken on the role of Santa and is giving the gift of Christmas to children in Rochester.

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The enterprise has organised to set up a Giving Tree at Echuca’s Discovery Centre where community members will be able to donate wrapped Christmas presents to families in Rochester.

All donated gifts will be placed under the tree until they are delivered to the Rochester Community House, who will then disperse the gifts out to flood impacted families.

CPE chief executive Mark Francis said they knew they wanted to do something to create some joy for people in Rochester.

“We were thinking of ways that we could help the children and families who have been going through a difficult time,” Mr Francis said.

“We were thrilled when we came up with this idea.”

Echuca’s Discovery Centre acting functions support officer Andrea Basham set up the Giving Tree display.

She said she hoped the initiative could provide a “distraction” to those going through a rough time.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas: The Giving Tree display at Echuca’s Discovery Centre. Photo by Steve Huntley

Rochester Community House co-ordinator Amanda Logie thanked the CPE for giving the community something to look forward to this Christmas.

She explained that the last thing on a lot of people’s minds is Christmas shopping.

“At the absolute minimum, 90 per cent of homes in Rochester have been inundated with water,” Ms Logie said.

“Our kids are doing it really hard, they’re going to either Elmore or Bendigo for their schooling.

“We’re just feeling very grateful and really appreciative.”

CPE is now accepting donations of wrapped toys, sporting equipment, electronics and gift cards.

Labels will be available on-site at the centre for donors to attach to presents if they want to categorise whether the gift is for a specific age group or gender.