Grab your ticket in Enriching Lives Sponsor a Student Christmas Raffle!
Grab your ticket in Enriching Lives Sponsor a Student Christmas Raffle!
This holiday season, you can give the gift that keeps on giving – the power to change a life. The Enriching Lives Foundation is calling on the Gold Coast community to join their mission of ensuring every child gets the education they deserve. With its Sponsor a Student program and the festive Sponsor a Student Christmas Raffle, there’s never been a better (or more festive!) way to make an impact.
Enriching Lives has a simple yet profound mission – to ensure no student is left behind due to financial hardship. Working with local schools, the foundation identifies children struggling to afford basic educational necessities like supplies, uniforms and even lunch. For many of these students, exclusion from school activities and lack of resources can limit their potential. Your support can make sure no child feels excluded or left out of opportunities that many of us take for granted.
Founder Renee Brescianini sees a community-minded and inclusive approach will change families’ lives. “We want our donors to see a direct impact of funds in local communities.”
The Sponsor a Student program invites donors to support a child’s educational journey directly, covering essential costs to opportunities these students may not have thought possible. It’s not just about funding education – it’s about sparking dreams and opening doors to the future.
This Christmas, Enriching Lives is adding a festive twist to their fundraising efforts with the Sponsor a Student Christmas Raffle.
For just $10 per ticket, participants not only enter to win one of three fabulous prizes but also provide direct support to students in need. Each ticket sold makes a tangible impact – for example, one $10 ticket can buy a hungry child lunch at school, ensuring they have the energy to learn and thrive.
The prizes for this year’s raffle are sure to bring joy to your whole family this silly season. The first prize is a giant Christmas hamper valued at $700 that includes holiday essentials like wine glasses and tumblers, beach towels and games, holiday treats and much more to keep celebrations going all summer long. The second prize is a beautiful picnic hamper worth $200, where you can choose between two options: one featuring wine and wine glasses, or another with wine glasses and a marble cheese board set.The final prize is a classic triple-smoked Christmas ham decked out in a stylish ham bag, valued at $60, which is bound to be the centerpiece of your Christmas Day lunch.
With only 1,000 tickets available, the odds of winning are high – but the real reward is knowing your purchase helps a child in your community.
Every dollar raised through the raffle supports Enriching Lives’ efforts to provide Gold Coast students with a brighter future. By sponsoring a student or buying a raffle ticket, you’re making a direct impact on the lives of local children.
To learn more about the Sponsor a Student program or purchase raffle tickets, visit Enriching Lives or head straight to the raffle page.
Where: Enriching Lives is based on the Gold Coast. Purchase your raffle tickets here.
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY ENRICHING LIVES FOUNDATION
Let’s all be Santa’s helpers and spread a little festive magic on the Gold Coast!
Christmas is the season of giving, and what better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by giving back to those in need? Whether you’re looking to donate, volunteer or simply make someone’s season a little brighter, the Gold Coast has a sleigh full of opportunities to share kindness. There’s an abundance of charities to support, and we’ve wrapped up some of the best ways to give the ultimate gift this festive season.
Serve Our People (SOP)
Serve Our People’s mission is to deliver joy and necessities to vulnerable families. This holiday season, you can play Santa by helping with their meal deliveries, care packages or holiday hampers. Whether you lend a hand or fund a gift, your generosity will help SOP spread a little extra sparkle.
Where: 2582-2584 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Rosies
Rosies is all about bringing connection and companionship to those who need it most. Whether it’s sharing a hot drink, a friendly chat or a warm smile with people experiencing homelessness, your time or donations can help make someone’s Christmas a little less lonely. Volunteer for one of their outreach programs or make a financial contribution to keep the warmth flowing.
Where: Various locations both north and south Gold Coast
OzHarvest
Food waste? Not on OzHarvest’s watch! This amazing charity rescues surplus food and delivers it to those in need. You can volunteer to help redistribute rescued goodies or donate to keep its yellow vans on the move. This is a great way to make sure no plate – or heart – is empty this Christmas.
Where: 6/28 Activity Crescent, Molendinar
Havafeed
Wish you could share Christmas lunch with more in the community? Havafeed makes it happen for families doing it tough. Every donation funds Christmas hampers filled with festive food staples, ensuring no one misses out on the joy of a holiday meal. Your generosity turns a simple meal into a cherished memory for those in need.
Where: 2439 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Set Free Care
Set Free Care offers vital services like meals, clothing and support for people experiencing homelessness. By volunteering or donating, you can help transform a tough season into a time of hope and renewal. Each act of kindness strengthens the foundation for a brighter year ahead.
Where: 21 Rawlins Street, Southport
Enriching Lives
From education to crisis support, Enriching Lives uplifts individuals and families in need. Contribute your time or donations to their programs and help them continue delivering life-changing assistance, one story at a time. Empower communities to thrive against all odds and make an impact for the future.
Where: Enriching Lives is based on the Gold Coast
Words by Lisette Drew
GIFTSPO (gift inspo) for awesome gifts and supporting local Gold Coast businesses.
Okay friends, we need to talk.
There are very few sleeps until Christmas day and yes, our hearts started pounding too. Firstly because it’s legit our favourite time of the year and secondly coz crap, we need to get our rears into gear and sort presents stat.
If you’re like us and running way behind in this department (every.darn.year), here’s a roundup of inspo to help you get a wriggle on.
Being the proud Gold Coasters that we are, each of our suggestions is based in our ‘hood, coz #supportlocal will forever be our favourite hashtag (and we do love a good hashtag, in case you hadn’t noticed).
Here we go….
Spirits and Beer
Get in the spirit this Christmas – quite literally! Who doesn’t love a tipple so a pressie from one of these local booze-bosses, you’ll be the golden child/friend/niece/nephew/co-worker…you get the gist.
Starting with to the central power players, Granddad Jack’s in Miami will sort you out with a selection of extra special Christmas gift packs. Or hit up a rising fave which has been attracting attention for all the right reasons, Burleigh’s Familiar Spirits. We highly recommend their limited-edition Pudding Gin (you’re welcome).
For beer enthusiasts who want both the sips and the swag, the Coast has you sorted. Burleigh Brewing Co. (their Twisted Palm Tropical Pale Ale is basically summer in a can) and Balter are classics, while newcomers Roji Cat and Padre are quickly building a cult following. And if someone’s craving a proper Belgian-style brew, Ashmore’s Madlocke Beer Brewing Company is the go-to.
Coffee
For anyone who runs on caffeine (so, most of us), the Gold Coast has some seriously gift-worthy coffee options. Local roasters like Social Espresso in Burleigh, Willy’s Beans in Burleigh Heads, and Miami’s Whyld Coffee Roastery are serving up freshly roasted beans that make your morning brew feel like a celebration. Perfect for popping straight into a machine at home or gifting to a mate who appreciates a quality cuppa, these roasters combine passion, flavour, and a little bit of Gold Coast magic in every bag. Whether you’re gifting a single bag or a subscription, it’s a present that keeps the energy (and smiles) flowing.
Apparel
Like booze, we all love threads, so when in doubt, look to these local legends!
PJ’s are a go-to for a well-received Chrissie gift and Homebodii specialises in thoughtfully created, elegant sleepwear which, bonus, can be personalised.
Head for Rhythm in Burleigh or online to Olas Supply Co for the coastal surfy vibing missus or mister.
You can never have too much activewear, making it a quintessential GC gift. Local (and local-ish) favourites like KEEPTHATPUMP, Cleo Harper and LSKD have you covered, whether they’re hitting the gym or just rocking the athleisure look.
The lads at Alfred’s Apartment are providing our local men with an ever-growing range of curated fashion and accessories. And, on a totally unrelated note, you NEED to drop in and check out their coffee slushies stat. #thankuslater.
Take it from us, an oversized T from Sabbi is on every GC girl’s wish list!
For the ultimate #supportlocal nod, you cannot go past The Undercurrent. Stocking men’s and women’s unique, high quality tees, singlets and caps designed exclusively by Gold Coast artists who share a passion for our city’s culture, it’s the perfect stocking filler.
Uggs are the quintessential Aussie must-have and the genuine, original version are crafted right here on the GC at Ugg Since 1974. Our tip: personalise your Ugg for a truly unforgettable gift!
Homewares
We all love homewares (verified fact) and both Kira and Kira in Miami and Burleigh and St Barts in Burleigh and Southport stock the highest quality, timeless homewares, décor, artwork, and furniture.
For linen lovers (AKA e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e), I Love Linen has a long list of goodies for the bedroom, the kitchen, and beyond.
For the greenery enthusiast, pop into Greenfolk Botany Shop in Burleigh for plants, cacti, succulents, pots, home and garden wares.
Now these guys aren’t strictly Gold Coaster’s (hailing from just over the border) but we reckon Clubbies Prints Gold Coast surf series are so spesh they need to be included #soznotsoz.
Head to our list of Pinterest-worthy Gold Coast homewares stores for more inspo.
Vouchers & experiences
For the friend who already owns everything (including three air fryers and a suspicious number of beach umbrellas), experiences are where it’s at. Think memberships to the Gold Coast Suns for the footy fan who lives for game day, animal encounters at the theme parks for anyone who melts at the sight of a meerkat, or a voucher to check out the soon-to-open cliff park Happitat, because who doesn’t want bragging rights as “one of the first in”? These gifts don’t just unwrap well… they make you look like an absolute gifting genius.
Other Gifts
Annabel Trends is your go to for funky giftware and gorgeous home accessories! Every Gold Coaster appreciates a lush, premium quality beach or bath towel, just like those at Mayde Towels and no-one does environmentally-friendly natural skincare like Sabbia Co.
Give the gift of an instant bar with locally crafted The Bench Bar – a sleek bar that hooks over any railing. Perfect for summer gatherings, sunset drinks and easy entertaining.
Mermaid Beach-based STYLD. is always a great option for effortless gifting, and their Baby, Let’s Go Outside collection is a sunshine-soaked tribute to the Australian summer. With pieces that blur the line between indoor lounging and alfresco living, STYLD. nails that sweet spot where playful meets polished.
Small-batch, locally crafted jewellery from YCL Jewels is a great stocking filler, as is luxury hand-made artisan chocolate from Little Cocoa, who collaborate with esteemed local distilleries, artisans, and farmers to create bespoke chocolate experiences that reflect the essence of the Gold Coast.
And, last but not least, if you’ve yet to discover Good Neighbours, now’s the time! This Gold Coast gem curates the best selection of unique, Gold Coast goodies into beautifully packed boxes – handmade treats, boutique finds and thoughtful products that make the perfect stress-free Christmas gift while supporting local makers.
HAPPY SHOPPING!
Words by Bianca Trathen & Belinda Symons
